"Costs are increasing and we are working hard to make your voice heard."

Hello,

It is the last week of the tax year, which means that you will all experience an increase in costs. Business rates will rise by 140%. National living wage will rise by 6.7%. National insurance contributions are also increasing.

Since these challenges were announced we have been challenging the Government to change their policies - so far to no avail but we keep on pushing. We have just submitted a response to the proposed rates reform, once again highlighting the fact that the reforms do not go far enough in addressing the needs of independent retailers. As the saying goes, we may have lost a battle, but the war continues!

I also want to urge you to take action to potentially reduce costs that are coming your way by:

1. Checking your rates bill is correct. You can do this by visiting this government website: https://www.gov.uk/find-business-rates. You only need your postcode and certainly worth checking as mistakes can be made. If you do not agree, contact the local authority and the local valuation office.
2. Some of you should see your National Insurance Contributions decrease in the new tax year! This is because the employers allowance for NICs was increased from £5,000 to £10,500. We believe that this increase means that if you employ less than 7 people, you should pay less NICs. Certainly worth checking with your accountant and whoever deals with your payroll to make sure the full allowance is being claimed.

With costs rising more than sales, I know how difficult it is on the high streets throughout the UK. We are working hard to ensure that ‘your voice’ is heard by all the relevant government departments.

Thanks,

Andrew