William Eichler 10 August 2021

Retailers tell Government to fix ‘broken’ business rates system

Retailers tell Government to fix ‘broken’ business rates system image

Retailers have urged the Government to reform the business rates system as part of the effort to help high streets recover from the pandemic.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show that retail sales increased by 6.4% in July, against a growth of 3.2% in during the same month last year. This is below the three-month average growth of 14.7% and the 12-month average growth of 10.4%.

On a two-year basis, total retail sales grew by 9.1%.

‘July continued to see strong sales, although growth has started to slow,’ said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC.

‘The lifting of restrictions did not bring the anticipated in-store boost, with the wet weather leaving consumers reluctant to visit shopping destinations.

‘Online sales remained strong, and with weddings and other social events back on for the summer calendar, formalwear and beauty all began to see notable improvement, so fashion outlets in particular saw a bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

‘As many people prepare to return to the workplace, purchase of home office equipment began to fall after months of high sales, meanwhile other homeware, such as furniture and household appliances continued to do well.’

Ms Dickinson warned that the vacancy rate is continuing to rise and called for a reform of what she described as the ‘broken’ business rates system.

‘Unfortunately, the current broken business rates system continues to hold back retailers, hindering vital investment into retail innovation and the blended physical-digital retail offering,’ she said.

‘The Government must ensure the upcoming business rates review permanently reduces the cost burden to sustainable levels. Retailers want to play their part in building back a better future for local communities, and Government must give them the tools to do so.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner