The Association of Convenience Stores has called for changes to policies on business rates, crime and employment costs in its recommendations to the Chancellor ahead of the 2020 Budget on 11 March.
In the submission, ACS has urged the government to incentivise investment by local shops and other small businesses, without facing an increase in their rates bills as a result.
The trade body noted that the convenience stores invested £558 million in their businesses in the year to November 2019, but this was down almost a quarter on the previous year.
The submission also calls on the government to provide help to offset rising employment costs stemming from a significant increase in the Employment Allowance and an uplift in the threshold for employer National Insurance Contributions.
“This Budget is a huge opportunity for the government to affirm its commitment to supporting local shops by taking long overdue action on reforming the business rates system, providing mitigation for increases in employment costs, and ensuring that the communities that our members trade in are safe for both colleagues and customers,” commented James Lowman, ACS chief executive.
Other measures recommended in the submission include:
- Support a better funded justice system to deal with criminals who repeatedly target local shops
- Commit to funding the enhanced rate relief scheme for the rest of this parliament
- Remove ‘through the wall’ free to use ATMs from the rating system to sustain access to cash
- Freeze duty levels on alcohol and tobacco products, as well as on fuel
- Provide clarity for retailers and wholesalers on how the track and trace system is going to work post-Brexit transition
- Consult with business groups on the UK’s overall approach to regulatory divergence after leaving the EU
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