The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged retailers to write to their local MP ahead of the Autumn Budget, as part of a new campaign pressing for business rates reform.
Through its ‘Action on Business Rates’ campaign, the trade body has called on the government to set the new retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) multipliers 20p lower than the standard and small business multipliers, arguing the change would help offset cost pressures and support investment.
It also recommended that Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) thresholds should be updated in line with rising rateable values, ensuring businesses do not miss out on support simply due to inflation.
In addition, the trade body has called for Improvement Relief to be extended from 12 months to three years and expanded to include plant & machinery and security systems to encourage investment in energy efficiency and store safety.
James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, commented on the campaign: “Convenience stores play a vital role in their local communities, from providing access to essential products and services, secure employment opportunities and acting as a social hub for their customers.
“However, many of these businesses are facing increases in their rates bills and these bills are putting a massive strain on retailers and ultimately, there are local shops facing closure due to increasing costs in areas they cannot control, and in the context of a tough trading environment.
“We are urging retailers to write to their local MP to highlight the issues that their businesses are facing and to ask them to support our calls for urgent action to create a fairer system which will help hard-pressed businesses to keep their doors open and encourage investment in these community lifelines.”
More information about the campaign and a template email for retailers to send to MPs is available here.
No comments yet