New government urged to keep promises on High Streets and indie retail
As the reality of Labour’s landslide general election victory beings to sink in, the British Independent Retailers’ Association has wasted no time in calling for the new government to prioritise the independent retail section.
Following the poll yesterday, 4 July, Labour currently has 409 seats, with Conservatives now holding only 119 seats, Lib-Dems have taken 71, SNP is down to nine, Sinn Fein kept its seven seats, six independents gained seats, Reform UK won four, and the other parties share 18 seats plus there’s the independent speaker, and six are still to be declared of the 650 constituencies.
And BIRA, which works with over 6,000 indie businesses of all sizes across the UK including greetings retailers and publishers, has immediately urged Labour to make good on its promise of change by prioritising the revival of the independent retail sector and High Streets.
The association is reiterating its key priorities for the new government:
- Lower business rates for smaller retailers.
- Review of corporate tax to encourage more investment by smaller businesses.
- Continued investment in local High Streets, addressing issues such as parking availability and cost.
- Increased focus on combating retail crime.
- Review of the cycle-to-work scheme to ensure retailers also benefit.
- A coordinated plan to reduce wastage in the retail sector.
- Review of regulations to prevent disproportionate impact on smaller retailers.
BIRA ceo Andrew Goodacre said: “Congratulations to Labour on their landslide victory in the general election. The Labour party won on a mandate of delivering change and we urge the new government to deliver positive change for High Streets and independent retailers.
“We know there is a commitment to reforming business rates – that needs to happen at the earliest opportunity to protect High Street businesses. We also need to see the commitment to investing in our town centres and local areas, where independent retailers play such a vital role in the local economy. We also hope that the nature of this election result boosts consumer confidence, resulting in economic growth.
“As always, actions will speak louder than words and BIRA’s work to engage and influence government policy under Labour begins today.”
The association emphasised these priorities are crucial for the survival and growth of independent retailers, which are the backbone of local economies and communities across the UK and Andrew said BIRA is ready to work with the new government to implement policies that will revitalise High Streets and support the independent retail sector.
