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Retail body call for MPs to listen

The British Retail Consortium has asked MPs to prioritise help for their high streets, and called for a freeze on business rates.

A poll of MPs showed two-thirds believed high streets in their constituencies have deteriorated noticeably over the last five years.

The BRC point out that rates have risen by over 10% in the last two years, adding over £0.5bn to retailers’ bills.

New British Retail Consortium Director General Helen Dickinson said: “MPs understand that high streets are focal points for communities and essential to local economies. But many high streets are facing a real endurance test in these challenging times, and rising operating costs are making matters worse.

“The Autumn Statement didn’t include a pledge to freeze business rates next year, but there’s still time for the Government to do the right thing. Another steep rise would pose a serious threat to vulnerable town centres and mean fewer jobs, especially for young people.

“Two-thirds of MPs have already told us that they support a rates freeze next year – I urge them to keep pushing for change if they want to breathe life back into our town centres and preserve and protect local businesses.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .