The National President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), Hemanshu Patel, has today written to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to reform business rates and deliver greater support for independent retailers and small businesses.
In June, while serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham called for business rates reform to benefit small shops, including increasing the threshold for Small Business Rates Relief.
In his letter, Patel congratulated Burnham on his appointment and urged him to build on those proposals and introduce reforms that would help level the playing field for independent retailers, enabling them to continue investing in their businesses and local communities.
Patel said in the letter: “Independent retailers play a vital role in our communities and our economy. The independent convenience sector remains an essential part of the retail landscape, providing not only everyday convenience products but also a growing range of essential services, including payment facilities, postal services and parcel collection.
“However, this is an increasingly challenging time for the sector. Our members continue to face rising levels of retail crime alongside growing operating costs.
“A recent Fed survey found that 72% of members experienced retail crime during the past year. At the same time, businesses are facing increasing pressure from rising energy costs, changes to taxation and an outdated business rates system.
“We’re keen to work constructively with you and your government, just as we have engaged with colleagues in the Home Office on measures such as the Crime & Policing Act, and with DEFRA on opportunities including the forthcoming DRS.
“We’d welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your team to discuss these issues, as well as other policy priorities affecting independent retailers, in the run-up to the Budget.
“The Fed has met with a number of senior ministers since the Labour government took office in 2024, and we look forward to continuing that positive engagement with your new administration, whether in Westminster or Manchester.”
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