Fed discusses rising business rate bills with Dame Rebecca Harris in Essex

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) met with senior Conservative MP and Chief Whip, Dame Rebecca Harris, at Dans News in Thundersley in her Castle Point constituency of Essex, on Friday, March 6. During the meeting she discussed rising business taxes facing Fed members, including the shop’s owner, Hiren Patel.

The Fed team, which included political engagement coordinator Doug Oliver and member development executive Trevor Harper, highlighted the impact that business rate bills are likely to have on Mr Patel’s business next month when these are set to rise because of the revaluation in property values and a disappointing cut in the business rates multiplier for small retailers.

During the meeting they also talked about the impact of higher National Insurance Contributions and another above-inflation increase in the minimum wage, which also take effect next month, as well as changes in the pipeline as part of the Employment Rights Act which may make it harder to employ more staff.

Mr Patel said: “I was pleased to meet with Rebecca Harris and I explained that trading was hard at the moment and that a number of my bills are rising at the present time. As well as taxes, my business margins are impacted by rising prices from higher utility costs, especially energy costs.”

During the visit Dame Rebecca was shown the vast range of products and services that the shop sold – including parcels, packaging and dry cleaning, alongside traditional convenience products –  but warned that the business was left vulnerable by the difficult political and regulatory environment.

Retail crime and the deposit return scheme (DRS) for recycling which is due to take effect in October 2027 were also discussed.

Dame Rebecca said: “It was useful for my work in Parliament and locally to understand how tough things are for small shops like Mr Patel’s. Whilst it was positive to hear that theft is less of a problem in this area than other parts of the country, this remains a concerning time for small shops and I look forward to collaborating with Mr Patel and the Fed on these important issues further in the future.”