Representing many cookshops and housewares stockists, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is raising concerns the business rates ‘discount’ announced in today’s Budget could in practise cost independent retailers more.
Bira was initially ‘pleased’ the chancellor of the exchequer had addressed business rates and some of the other burdens faced by indie retailers in his Autumn Statement this week. However, Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo pointed out: “The devil is in the detail. The rates bill for this year was reduced to 25% (of normal levels) in response to Covid. Therefore, reducing rates by 50% next year is in fact a 100% increase on what businesses are actually paying. On top of everything else, this will be a challenge.”
He added: “We believe more could have been done. This is especially true considering all the other inflation-busting increases such as wages, energy, supply chain, etc.
“We also welcome the use of rates relief to encourage investment in properties and the shorter time periods between rates reviews (reduced from five years to three years). The problem is that 2022 will more about survival than investment. It will be a really difficult year for the high street, and we hoped for more recognition of this to protect local communities, jobs and livelihoods.”
The business rates relief ‘cap’ of £110,000 has also raised questions with Bira seeking clarity on whether this is per property, or per business.
