Bira asks political parties to support independent retailers

With the UK’s General Election set for June 8, the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) has asked all parties to pledge their support for the independent retailer.

In a statement released by the organisation, bira said: “It was a comfort to the sector when the Department for Communities and Local Government Minister Marcus Jones said that the UK needed “thriving high streets, strong independent retailers and local economies that match the exceptional growth that UK plc has experienced since 2010”.

“However, this needs to be followed up with clear action if small businesses are to support the current administration through this election.

“We believe business rates are fundamentally unjust for independent retailers, and that political parties should commit to implementing a business rates threshold.  This would not only benefit businesses but would also mean that the Government would not have to spend valuable time rolling out schemes like the £300m discretionary fund, which will have minimal effect overall.

“It will also be important for the political parties to commit to a serious review regarding parking. Of course, bira is pleased that the DCLG supported the Private Member’s Bill by Conservative MP David Tredinnick to make it easier for English Councils to lower parking charges at short notice and that the Council will only be able to increase the fees after consultation.

“However, this did not deal with the more strategic issues around how better implementation of parking provision could also help increase footfall for local businesses.

“We do not believe that the minimum wage and living wage rates should be used as a bargaining tool to gain votes at the expense of hard working entrepreneurs and independent businesses. We will therefore encourage all parties to allow the Low Pay Commission to lead an independent process of setting wage rates so that workers are rewarded for their endeavours and that businesses can continue to succeed and provide the jobs that people need.

“Finally, bira wants to impress on all political parties that stability for this sector is needed. After all, whilst the retail sector currently accounts for 5.7 percent of gross domestic product, this is not guaranteed to continue in the future unless an incoming Government helps ensure that Britain will not be hit with a stalling economy, rising prices and a weak pound sterling, by doing all they can to help businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.”