Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers has outlined his support for retaining the existing Sunday trading regulations in a visit to a SPAR store in Humberston operated by Blakemore Retail.

Local shops in Wales have raised concerns over proposals in the Environment (Wales) Bill that would see new regulations introduced on carrier bags and waste disposal. The Bill puts forward the following proposals:

ACS has responded to the Government’s launch of a fundamental review of business rates, calling for greater support for small businesses and high streets.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome this overdue review, and we are pleased that it will take a look at radical options for reforming the outdated business rates system. The review must deliver help for high streets, be simpler than the current system, and offer incentives for investment rather than penalising businesses which improve their premises.”

ACS has welcomed new measures to cap the costs retailers face when processing debit and credit cards. The EU intends to limit the ‘interchange fees’ charged by banks to card providers such as Visa and MasterCard to 0.2% on debit cards and 0.3% on credit cards.

ACS is urging retailers to be prepared for the implementation of the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation coming into force today (13^th December).

The law will change the way customers need to be alerted to allergenic ingredients in food, especially loose foods or goods you package yourself. The law is designed to protect customers that suffer from allergic reactions to food, and will be enforced by Trading Standards Officers.  Breaches of the law may lead to enforcement action being taken against retailers.

The Department for Communities and Local Government yesterday (11^th December) launched their new report, ‘Celebrating the Great British High Street 2014’.

The report showcases some of the best high street projects from across the country and provides ideas that other towns could implement. The report, launched at an exclusive event in the Palace of Westminster, was produced off the back of this year’s Great British High Street awards’ entries and winners.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, and the Minister responsible for business rates addressed the All Party Small Shops Group today in Westminster to discuss business rates in light of the Chancellor’s announcements in last week’s Autumn Financial Statement.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke MP will address the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops today on the Government’s action on business rates and support for small shops.

Simon Danczuk MP, Chairman of the Small Shops Group, said: “I am pleased the Minister is taking the time to speak to the Small Shops Group about business rates. We saw the Chancellor make a number of announcements in the Autumn Statement, but small shops are keen to understand more about what the Government’s commitment to long term reform will mean to them.”

Announcing business rates reform was the easy bit. Now the Chancellor has to work out what changes to this £26bn tax revenue stream will be fairer, pro-growth, fiscally responsible and popular.

ACS has called on HM Treasury to set out a clear plan of communications and engagement with retailers ahead of the transition to the new £1 coin in 2017.