The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the government to introduce a targeted package of measures to support independent retailers including a cap on energy bills for small businesses.
Ahead of the planned fiscal event, dubbed the ‘mini-Budget’, on Friday 23 September, the ACS has called for the following measures to support retailers:
· Introduce a small business energy cap that reflects the support being provided to domestic consumers
· Extend the 100% business rate relief for the retail sector through to the end of the 2022/23 financial year
· Freeze the business rates multipliers in 2023
· Confirm plans for a transitional rate relief scheme to mitigate the impact of rising rates bills as a result of the latest revaluation
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Immediate support on energy bills this winter is crucial to the survival of thousands of convenience stores. The most straightforward way of delivering that support is through a cap that reflects the support being provided to consumers. The Government must act as soon as possible to announce the details of what it intends to do, as retailers are making decisions right now about their future viability.
“Beyond energy support, we are calling on the Government to help retailers with the cost of business rates. With the rates revaluation looming, many local shops will be facing a significant hike in their business rates bills, which during this uncertain time is likely to have a damaging impact on future investment plans. If this Government is serious about driving growth throughout the economy, incentivising small entrepreneurs to invest in their communities must be front and centre.”
ACS is continuing to call on retailers to email their MPs highlighting the problems they’re facing with energy – more information about the campaign is available at ACS.org.uk/campaigns
Lowman also suggested that the government could support small businesses by calling a stop to the upcoming regulations surrounding High Fat, Salt & Sugar (HFSS) products, due to come into force on 1 October.
“The new Prime Minister and Chancellor have talked about deregulation and cutting the cost of doing business,” he added. “They could start by halting the incoming restrictions on where shops can display certain products, saving retailers including thousands of small businesses the costs of reconfiguring their stores.”
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