This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

Bira Applauds New High Street Report

Outdated, unfair business rates have once again been flagged up in a report published yesterday (February 21) by the House of Commons’ Housing, Communities and Local Government committee, with the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) responding positively to the findings.

(pic 2) Above: Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira.
(pic 2) Above: Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira.

Bira’s ceo, Andrew Goodacre, says that the Committee’s report into the future of high streets and town centres, will come as welcome news to independent retailers. With recommendations for rates reform, based on the suggestions put forward by Bira, and increased investment in town centres, the association says that business owners will be comforted to know that retail is still prominent in the vision for the future.

Andrew, who took part in the inquiry alongside member Martin Foster of independent business Lakeland Leather, comments: “We broadly agree with the findings and recommendations set out in the report. It is clear that high streets and town centres will change, and many stakeholders have an important role to play. It requires vision and leadership at a local government level, with funding from central government.”

He continued: “Furthermore, we are pleased to see it being recognised that independent retail businesses will be crucial in providing the diversity and quality retail experience demanded by the consumers. Our members should feel encouraged by this. It is important for MPs to realise that high streets are not just about the major chains and that independents do and will continue to play a key role.”

While no clear solution is given on how business rates can be reformed, the Committee refers to them as ‘increasingly outdated and far from ideal’,recommending that Bira’s suggestion for an allowance, similar to an income tax allowance, be considered to lessen the complexity and administrative burden of rates reliefs.

Andrew adds: “We are really pleased that the report makes direct reference to Bira’s proposal of introducing a rates allowance, something we passionately believe will support independent retail businesses. We are continuing our campaign on rates and will be responding to the new inquiry looking specifically at rates reform.”

Bira also welcomed the suggestion by the Committee to use funds generated by any new taxation of online businesses to reduce business rates for bricks and mortar retailers, as well as a 12-month rates holiday for those retailers who have seen an increase in their rates following investment in their properties. Both recommendations support Bira’s ongoing campaign to level the playing field between online and bricks and mortar retail.

Among other retail organisations responding to the report was the British Retail Consortium, whose chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE, stated:“The Select Committee are spot on when they say, ‘retailers are paying more than their fair share of tax’. In fact, retail accounts for 5% of the economy, pays 10% of all business tax and shoulders 25% of the UK’s business rates bill. This damaging and outdated business rates system, which drives up the cost of doing business, is a major factor in store closures as well as hindering the successful transformation of our high streets.”

She continued: “We welcome the Committee’s recommendations to mitigate the business rates burden through lower rates or investment relief. However, such relief must not result in increased costs to other retail activities. Many well known brands disappeared from our high street last year. Without a full and urgent review of business rates and business taxes,  the government is sleepwalking into the demise of many of our local communities  up and down the country.  Failure to act by Government will have devasting consequences for local communities and consumers.”

 

Top: The future of the high street has once again been debated by a new select committee report which came out yesterday (February 21).

MORE NEWS
PG_H
 
The March/April 2024 issue of Progressive Gifts & Home  fanfares the fabulous Greats Awards and Gift of the Year Award 2024 finalists, as well as the findings of the 18th PG&H Retail Barometer. We also take a look at what’s trending in men’s gifts, along with the very latest news, views and new product launches, plus much, much more besides!...
BB
 
Showcasing flowers from the Asteraceae family, designs incorporate specially selected illustrations from the RHS Lindley Collections of historic botanical art...
MaiaGifts
 
“In 15 years, not a single day has passed without someone complimenting the store”...
NSW
 
Daily hashtags can be used to encourage customer participation...
Greats
 
“It’s such an honour to receive this nomination”...
Women in Gifts
 
The GA’s Sarah Ward, Nest’s owner Samantha Gibbs, and Products of Change’s Helena Mansell-Stopher will be among those taking to the stage...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.