Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) is continuing to put pressure on the government to reduce business rates for retailers.
In a statement about the government’s new Levelling Up White Paper, Bira ceo Andrew Goodacre comments: “The ambition for this government is to level up the UK. From a business perspective there is one easy thing to do, and that is to level the playing field between high streets and the internet by reducing busing business rates.”
He highlights: “Research from last year showed that business rates have a disproportionate impact on businesses in the North of the UK, reducing investment and job opportunities. Incentivise business, especially independent businesses, and there is no doubt that local economies and communities will see the difference.”
Bira welcomes commitments to improving transport infrastructure and creating ‘pride in place’. The association is urging the government “to recognise that independent retail plays an increasingly important role” by supporting communities.
Top: The government’s Levelling Up White Paper was released last week (February 2).
