The British Independent Retailers Association is asking the Government to reveal its decision on business rates relief before the Budget on March 3.
Bira wants the Chancellor to extend the business rates holiday for another year – and do so immediately, giving independent retailers as much notice as possible to plan their finances.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline his ‘road map’ to recovery from national lockdown conditions today (Monday, February 22) and Bira would like the business rates decision to be made clear then.
A business rates holiday was put in place last year to support retailers through the pandemic. However, this is due to expire on March 31, 2021.
Bira’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre, said: “We need the announcement on business rates as soon as possible – and not wait until the Budget.
“Scotland has made its decision to extend rates relief for retailers for another year and England must follow suit.
“The sooner retailers know, the sooner they can plan accordingly – it is about data, not dates!”
