Responding to the King’s Speech, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“The King’s Speech comes as households face yet another cost of living squeeze, as the Middle East conflict drives up inflation and prices. Government cannot raise living standards without reducing the costs of doing business. In the face of a looming inflationary storm sparked by the Iran crisis, government must act now to tackle rising energy, tax and regulatory costs at a time when many households are struggling to keep their heads above water.
“Measures to drive long-term sustainable growth are important, but there is no excuse for allowing politics to get in the way of the immediate action needed. The decisions this government makes in the next few days and weeks will have a major impact on the price of food and essentials for the rest of the year. Every moment of indecision will deepen the damage done to the British economy and extend the pain felt by households everywhere.”
On the European Partnership Bill:
“Forging closer ties with the European Union is a golden opportunity to reduce friction and red tape for food businesses. To ensure retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers on both sides of the Channel, are ready for the regulatory changes, including an SPS* agreement, government must provide practical support and guidance to businesses as early as possible. Reducing friction in EU trade will benefit businesses and consumers, but only if these businesses are able to swiftly reach a state of compliance in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
*Sanitary and Phytosanitary
On the Energy Independence Bill:
“Higher energy costs for retailers ultimately mean higher prices for consumers, and while the Government can’t control global energy prices, it can influence the prices paid by businesses. Disappointingly, this Bill fails to provide any measures to reduce energy costs for retailers, or to lessen the impact of increasing non-commodity costs, which account for up to 65% of retailers’ energy bills. Additional reforms are also needed to improve how renewable and system costs are recovered, as well as to stabilise and make network charges more predictable. Government should support expanding local renewables, like solar, especially since retailers with large property portfolios can help facilitate this drive towards Net Zero.”
On the Police Reform Bill:
“Retail crime remains a major issue, costing retailers and their customers hundreds of millions every year, and resulting in over 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every day. Organised crime represents a growing part of this problem, and we hope this new Bill can strengthen national coordination between the different police forces to tackle this scourge. The Bill also promises to deploy more police officers in local neighbourhoods to tackle everyday crime and anti-social behaviour. This is essential to tackling soaring rates of both shoplifting and violence in retail stores, providing a visible deterrent to criminal activity. Police must use the new powers provided by the Crime and Policing Act to make sure that criminals are caught and prosecuted, and show everyone that crime doesn’t pay. Local policing must provide a visible deterrent on our high streets and retail centres, while the rise in police numbers should allow police to attend all criminal incidents.”
On Small Business Protections Bill:
“Retailers rely on strong and trusted relationships with their suppliers and work hard to support this through fair payment terms and processes that can benefit all parties. While the devil will be in the detail, we welcome the focus on supporting small businesses, and the exemption for payment arrangements between large businesses. Government must continue to engage businesses to ensure the Bill allows for the practical flexibilities businesses need.”
On the Enhancing Financial Services Bill:
“This Bill will bring the Payment Systems Regulator under the Financial Conduct Authority. The Payment Systems Regulator played an important role in addressing unfair card fees impacting retailers. The FCA should continue this work by implementing effective regulations in the payments market, supporting investment throughout the UK and promoting economic growth for both the government and businesses.”
