The British Independent Retail Consortium (Bira) has welcomed the decision by the Scottish Parliament to retain Uniform Business Rates (UBR), with Bira’s ceo, Andrew Goodacre, enthusing: “this is fantastic news for Scottish retailers.”
He explained: “We have worked with the Scottish Retail Consortium to make this happen. We have written letters, responded to consultations and called upon our members to write to the relevant decision makers. Our fears were, that had business rate-setting powers been devolved to local authorities, it would have led to an overall increase in rates for retailers and created a great deal of uncertainty.”
Andrew added: “This is a logical, sensible decision by MSPs in an already challenging time for our high streets and for independent businesses. Moving forward, Bira will continue to fight for a better deal for independent retailers across the UK.”
Top: Bira’s HQ.
