As April gets ever closer, the British Independent Retailers Association(Bira), has applauded Barnsley Council’s support package for local businesses, calling on other councils across the UK to follow suit with similar measures.
The council’s £5 million initiative is offering 100 per cent business ratesrelief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses from April 2025 to March 2026.
“We strongly applaud Barnsley Council for this exemplary initiative that directly addresses the mounting challenges facing our high streets,” comments Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “This is exactly the type of support that independent retailers desperately need in the current economic climate.”
He continues: “We are now calling on councils across the UK to follow Barnsley’s lead and implement similar support packages. If there is a surplus of business rates income, that surplus should be returned to businesses in this way. It’s not only fair but makes economic sense for local communities.
“The triple impact of rising costs, cuts to business rate relief, and increased employer National Insurance contributions has created a perfect storm for retailers. Barnsley has shown leadership by listening to its business community and taking decisive action. Every council in Britain should be examining how they can replicate this model,” he added.
Top: Last October’s Budget has created a perfect storm for retailers, says Bira.
