The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling on the Government to take meaningful action to support the high street, as retailers face rising business costs alongside concerns over the impact of a new Overnight Visitor Levy and a wave of store closures
Bira, which represents more than 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has welcomed the Government’s ambition to drive economic growth and give local leaders greater control over investment, but says independent businesses need to see tangible benefits.
The association has raised concerns that the new Overnight Visitor Levy could reduce the amount visitors spend once they arrive in towns and cities. The levy will allow mayors and local leaders to charge visitors for overnight accommodation, with revenue intended to support local investment.
Bira is calling for clear assurances that money raised through the levy will be reinvested directly into the areas where it is collected, particularly in high streets. The association says its review of two Mayoral strategic plans found that high streets received little mention.
Meanwhile, the planned closure of 19 TG Jones stores this month – as part of a wider programme to close 150 of its 450 shops – has provided another warning about the pressures facing physical retail. Bira says the closures, which also put Post Office counters at risk in some communities, highlight the need for action on business rates and the wider cost of trading.
We welcome the Government’s focus on growth and greater local decision-making, but now we need to see action. The upcoming Budget must address business rates and the cost of employment and give independent retailers a genuine reason for optimism.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “Independent retailers want to play their part in delivering growth, but they need the conditions to do so. Every additional cost placed on consumers or businesses risks taking spending away from the high street.”
Bira is urging the Chancellor to deliver meaningful reform rather than further reviews and roadmaps, while ensuring that new local funding measures directly benefit the high streets and businesses that help drive local economies.
