The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) have called on the government to introduce tax reform measures that will help convenience retailers to invest in the future of their business.

The reforms includes the extension of 100% business rate relief to all businesses with a rateable value of under £51,000.

Until March 2022, all businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are currently receiving 66% relief as part of the government’s package of Covid-19 support measures.

Labour pledges to scrap business rates if elected

ACS recommendation would ensure that the majority of the UK’s convenience store retailers would pay no business rates

The recommendation includes the introduction of a “business growth accelerator”, similar to that which is already in place for retailers in Scotland.

The impact of the pandemic on the convenience sector has been uneven, with many stores struggling to keep going throughout the Covid-19 restriction that have been put in place over the last eighteen months.

ACS calls for more government support to help local shops improve energy efficiency

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “As we look toward recovery and rebuilding for the future it is essential that the Chancellor gives businesses the right tools and certainly to be able to invest in the long term.”

Some key areas of focus in ACS’s submission

• Providing funding for electric vehicle charging investment infrastructure on petrol forecourts and other on-the-go locations
• Introducing a strategically mapped set of return points for the incoming Deposit Return Scheme that ensures cost neutrality for retailers and takes into account consumer demand
• Recognise good quality employment and target regulation at employers using insecure and one-sided staffing models
• Extending the two-thirds median earning target for the National Living Wage beyond 2024 accounting for post-pandemic labour.

Deposit return scheme must be cost neutral urges ACS

Lowman said: “Local shops are committed to a sustainable future, providing zero-waste options for customers, offering EV charging on forecourts and preparing for the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme. This must be supported with targeted funding to encourage as many retailers to get involved as possible.”

The 2021 Autumn Budget is set to be delivered on 28 October 2021 by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

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