Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), talks about what independent retailers need from the Autumn Budget, and why now’s the time to make your voice heard …
High streets are back in the national spotlight. The Prime Minister has been touring towns and cities to hear about the challenges facing local communities, and that renewed focus is welcome.
But attention is not the same as action. The Autumn Budget, to be delivered by Chancellor John Healey, is the opportunity for that interest in our high streets to turn into something that makes a real difference to independent businesses.
Bira has now submitted its response to the Treasury's annual Budget consultation on behalf of the sector, ahead of the Budget, which is set to take place on 28th October.
Business rates sit at the top of our list. We are calling for a return to the 75% business rates discount that retailers previously enjoyed, worth up to £110,000, and we want a commitment that no independent retailer faces a higher rates bill next year. Beyond that, the system itself needs meaningful long-term reform. Retailers deserve a tax they can plan around with confidence.
Employment costs are the second major concern. We have proposed that the Employers' National Insurance allowance rises to £15,000, to help offset the impact of the previous increases in contributions. For a small shop with a handful of staff, that difference matters, particularly heading into the busiest trading weeks of the year.
Then there is the question of fairness between the high street and overseas online sellers. We are asking the Government to bring forward plans to close the low-value imports loophole. Changes are currently scheduled for 2028, and we would like to see them in place by 2027. We are also urging ministers to tackle VAT fraud by overseas online sellers by April 2027. Independent retailers play by the rules, and they should not be undercut by sellers who do not.
Two further priorities are closer to the daily experience of running a shop. Retail crime remains a serious concern, and we are calling for continued investment in community and neighbourhood policing to tackle theft and anti-social behaviour in town centres.
We have also proposed a national approach to reducing the cost of town centre parking, because affordable parking can play an important role in encouraging shoppers back to their local high streets. If we want people to choose the high street over the click of a button, getting there needs to be as easy as possible.
None of us will know what the Budget contains until the Chancellor stands up, and I won't pretend to predict it. What I can say is that the priorities for independent retailers are clear, and Bira will keep making that case as strongly as we can.
Our submission is in, but the work does not stop there. We will be sharing our key recommendations with members, and I would encourage you to speak to your local MP as well. Explain in your own words what these measures would mean for your shop. A message from a business owner in their own constituency carries real weight, and the more voices they hear from the high street, the harder it is to ignore.
