On May 20, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), together with the Treasury Committee, will be hosting an event focusing on business rates and the effect they have on UK independent retailers and high streets.
“This is great news for Bira,” stated Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “It shows that the opinions of our members are being heard and can make a difference. We are delighted to welcome the Treasury Committee to our offices in Birmingham and we are sure that it will be a very productive day which will get to the heart of the issue.”
The event will bring together Committee members, business associations, businesses of all sizes as well as sole traders, to discuss retailers views on the tax, while seeking solutions for improving the system.
The Committee has confirmed that it is especially interested in hearing about the impact of business rates on different types of businesses, with Bira putting forward a number of members who will be involved in the enquiry.
The enquiry will examine how business rates policy has changed, to include business rates retention, alternatives to property-based taxes, such as the proposed digital services tax, and how changes to business rates could impact on businesses. The information received at this event will help to shape the enquiry.
The event is a result of many years of lobbying by Bira’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, which resulted in a 30% reduction in business rates for those retailers with a rateable value of £51,000 or below in the last Budget. Meanwhile, Bira’s fight continues to make rates fairer and to ensure there is a level playing field for bricks and mortar retailers.
Top: Bira’s HQ in Birmingham.
