EXCLUSIVE: ‘Four wasted years’ – interview with Simon Danczuk

In his four years as an MP, Simon Danczuk hasn’t been afraid of speaking his mind. He is also deeply passionate about small businesses. He and his wife run a delicatessen in his constituency town of Rochdale, meaning he has a real interest in fighting for the rights of independent retail.

These qualities mean that he looks like the ideal candidate to chair the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group. This group, he believes, holds a valuable role.

Simon says…

Business rates: “They aren’t fit for purpose. My wife and I have a delicatessen in Rochdale and you wouldn’t readily know whether you’re paying the right amount of business rates or not.”

“I think the group holds real sway. We will ensure that ministers listen to what we do. It’s important that the group is an “all party” group, with support across the house,” he says.

He views small business as vital for the economy. “It’s not the public sector that will get the country back on its feet – its small business,” he says.

“Larger businesses punch above their weight in Parliament. We have to support smaller businesses, make it easier for them to lobby Government. We have to go much further in support of small businesses.”

He describes the business rates process as antiquated and demands reform.

“The whole system is in disarray. Appeals take too long, the valuation is paper-based – it’s not online. It is antiquated. The VOA isn’t fit for purpose. As a Government agency I don’t think it works.”

High Street reform is definitely necessary, he believes. “I feel quite passionately about it. High Streets need to diversify – it’s not just about retail but also leisure, and residential – a better mix. But that’s about design and planning.”

Simon says…

Tobacco: “I don’t think there is proof that plain packaging will reduce harmful smoking – we need to keep things simple for smaller business.”

His personal views on current and pending legislation challenges are simple – maintain the status quo and give people choice in terms of their actions, he says.

“The over-complications around tobacco sales are outrageous and unnecessary. I don’t think there is proof that plain packaging will reduce harmful smoking – we need to keep things simple for smaller business.

“My general view is status quo. No further change. There’s an issue about personal choice in all of this. We have to pull back, take stock and think twice about legislating any more on it.”

He is similarly minded on displaying confectionery. “For smaller convenience stores, I don’t think there should be legislation around where confectionery is stocked,” he adds.

He ends with a challenge to shops minister Penny Mordaunt. In a recent interview in the Sunday Times, Mordaunt spoke about the so-called “Tesco Tax” and Portas Pilots.

“I saw the piece by the shops minister Penny Mordaunt in the Sunday Times. She was talking tough, she was talking a good show – let’s see what she delivers. It’s really challenging out there for the High Streets – and we need something significant.”