Fed urges Prime Minister to remember small shops as pubs benefit again from business rates cut

(The Fed’s National President, Hemanshu Patel)

The Fed has urged the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, not to forget independent retailers as he announced plans today (Thursday, July 23) to introduce a 20 per cent business rate cut for pubs, clubs and music venues. The cut for pubs is in addition to a 15 per cent relief which was  brought in after a backlash from November’s budget which – combined with a significant upwards rates revaluation in April – saw an increase in rates bills for a range of high street businesses, including shops and hospitality providers.

Commenting on today’s announcement, the Fed’s National President Hemanshu Patel said members’ businesses are often the first place people visit in the morning and the last place they can rely on at night.

“We provide far more than just groceries – banking, parcel services, bill payments, home news delivery, Post Office services and, for many people, a friendly face and someone to look out for them,” he continued.

“However, the cost pressures just keep coming. National Insurance, wage increases, energy bills and business rates are all taking their toll, yet independent retailers don’t seem to get the same attention as other sectors.”

Mr Patel’s comments came just days after he wrote to the new Prime Minister, congratulating him on his appointment, but highlighting the need for business rate costs to be limited for retailers.

Ahead of his appointment, the Fed welcomed comments from Mr Burnham at the People’s History Museum in Manchester on June 27^th promising “…we will reform business rates to support pubs and high street businesses, businesses that bring social benefits to our communities..”.

In the Fed’s letter earlier this week, it offered to meet with Mr Burnham and will be engaging with other figures appointed to Mr Burnham’s Cabinet in the coming days.