The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has made a statement about the recently released Levelling Up White Paper, which is set to regenerate town centres.

In the report, one of the missions at the heart of the government’s agenda for the 2020s includes plans for, amongst others; ‘The most run down town centres and communities across the country rejuvenated.”

Commenting in response to the report is Bira’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre.

“The government has announced its vision for levelling up and identified 12 ‘missions’ as areas of focus for this ambitious plan. It is hard to disagree with the intentions of this plan. But, we do need to see more detail to better understand how it will work in practice.

“We welcome the commitment to improving transport infrastructure. Access to town and cities and High Streets, in general, is very important. There is a further commitment to creating ‘pride in place’. In this respect, we urge the government to recognise that independent retail plays an increasingly important role.

“Indie retailers support communities, invest in the local economy, and are integral to creating a vibrant ‘place’ and something to be proud of.”

“The ambition for this government is to level up the UK. From a business perspective, there is one easy thing to do, and that is to level the playing field between high streets and the internet by reducing busing business rates. Research from last year showed that business rates have a disproportionate impact on businesses in the North of the UK; reducing investment and job opportunities. Incentivise business, especially independent businesses, and there is no doubt that local economies and communities will see the difference.”

The full White Paper Levelling Up report can be viewed by clicking here. For further information on Bira, please click here.