// Labour lists cutting business rates and energy bills in new five-point plan to help “revitalise the high street”
// BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson described the plan as “positive” and added any business rates reform must “reflect how modern retail works”
Labour has outlined a five-point plan aimed to “revitalise local high streets” after rising inflation and soaring energy bills has hit the sector.
As part of the plan, the political party said it would look to cut business rates for small business and allow local councils to “bring empty shops on their high streets back into use”.
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson described the plan as “positive”, but added any business rates reform must “lower the burden for retailers of all sizes”.
“The overall industry tax take is unsustainably high and contributes to shop closures, job losses and stifled investment.
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“There must be a permanent freeze of business rates and a cut to the multiplier in the longer term: it’s crucial that any business rates reform reflects how modern retail works,” she said.
Labour said it introduce “tough new laws to stamp out late payments and make sure more money gets to high street firms” as well as supply vouchers for energy efficiency measures.
The party said it would also launch a Police Efficiency and Collaboration Programme to combat anti-social behaviour and “deliver over £350m in procurement” to be used to find neighbourhood police.
Labour leader Kier Starmer said the high streets had been “held back by 13 years of Tory economic failure”.
“Britain’s businesses already give so much to our economy, and hold a huge amount of potential and promise just waiting to be unlocked.
“With our five-point plan, Labour will work in partnership with businesses and local communities to get our high streets thriving again.”
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