Following last week’s Budget (March 3) the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has appealed to chancellor Rishi Sunak of to extend the 100% business rates relief in England for a full year. Bira represents hundreds of independent cookshops and housewares retailers.
The appeal to the chancellor comes after last week’s decision by the Welsh Government to give retailers 100% rates relief until next March. The Scottish Government made a similar pledge to its retailers in February.
Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo said: “Bira is delighted that the Welsh Government has fully recognised the challenges faced by retail over the next 12 months and it is a very positive decision to extend rates relief there for another 12 months.” He adds: “It makes it hard to understand why England is making businesses pay 25% of their rates in 2021/22. It’s not too late for Rishi to go a little further and do the same!”
* Business rates are due to re-start from July in England, with discounts of up to two thirds (up to a maximum of £2million if businesses are closed). The policy may impact multiple department store cookshops; House of Fraser stores may be among permanent closures, as Fraser Group’s Mike Ashley warned of repercussions from England’s cap on business rates relief.
Top: Bira is among the retail voices that want a re-think on business rates from chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured).
