Bira urges the new Prime Minister to extend business rates support across the high street as independent retailers face mounting costs
Independent retailers are calling for wider business rates reform, with the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) urging the new Government to provide support across the high street rather than focusing on specific sectors.
The call comes in the episode of Bira’s High Street Matters podcast, Message to the New PM, which sets out a proposal that the organisation says could raise £6.5 billion for the Treasury by closing the low-value import loophole and tackling online VAT fraud.
Bira says the funds could help finance a wider business rates package, potentially including a 75% discount for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said Government support for reducing business rates had fallen from £2.5 billion in 2024 to £900 million, adding that independent retailers were feeling the impact.
For greetings card retailers, many of which operate from independent high street stores, rising overheads, energy costs and changing consumer behaviour continue to create challenges. Bira says the business rates system needs to reflect the changing retail landscape, including the contribution made by online businesses.
Surinder Josan, past president of Bira and owner of All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, said rising operating costs and shop theft were putting additional pressure on independent businesses, while John Jones, current Bira president and managing partner of Philip Morris & Son in Hereford, called for a fundamental overhaul of the rates system.
Looking ahead to the Autumn Budget, Bira says it remains hopeful that the Government will listen to independent retailers and deliver a cohesive plan for the high street.
