Leicester East MP vows to back Fed members

Leicester East MP Shivani Raja has pledged to support independent retailers who are suffering from rising business rates, illicit tobacco, and surging crime following a meeting this month (Thursday, April 16) with a delegation of members from the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed).

Ms Raja, who has represented the constituency since the last General Election almost two years ago, offered to deliver a letter from Leicester retailers highlighting these concerns to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Fed members attending the meeting at her constituency offices were included East of England district president Jital Patel, Sunil Patel, Parth Patel, Rinku Patel and Hetal Patel. All have shops in Leicester. Fed members development executive Kully Kumar and political engagement coordinator Douglas Oliver were also in attendance.

During the meeting, Hetal Patel spoke about the new measures being introduced in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the rising cost of tobacco and the lack of resourcing provided by central government to help support legitimate retailers. The Fed team had said that they had raised these concerns in conversation with the Home Office and in correspondence with the Leicester PCC, but that challenges remained.

Parth Patel highlighted the impact of rising business rates bills which had controversially increased in April as the revaluation of properties – which sets the bills – had taken effect. Mr Patel added: “After operating for the last 35 years in the city, providing vital services, we might not survive another five years.”

Sunil Patel said: “Speaking as someone who first began as a retailer in Leicester more than 40 years ago, this is one of the toughest times I can remember and every retailer I know is reporting challenges because the cost of living squeeze is hitting our customers and because energy costs and taxes going up mean that our own costs are rising.”

Commenting on her Facebook page about the meeting, Ms Raja said: “These retailers are small businesses that make all the difference in our day-to-day lives, strengthening our local economy and playing a vital role in keeping our communities connected, supported, and thriving.”

Jital Patel said: “I look forward to working with Shivani in support of the Fed future. We were very pleased to explain the commercial benefits of Fed membership and we look forward to inviting her to visit some of our local businesses, as well as our Leicester trade show in October.”