ACS has welcomed proposals from Andy Burnham on changes to the business rates system to support independent retailers.
In interviews since becoming MP for Makerfield, Mr Burnham has suggested that if he were to become the next prime minister, he would increase the threshold at which small business rate relief applies from £12,000 currently to £18,000 rateable value, with an increase in the tapered thresholds up to £21,000 (currently £15,000).
Business rates have risen significantly for thousands of convenience stores in 2026, as retailers deal with a combination of previous reliefs no longer being in force and the impact of the most recent revaluation. ACS had called on the Government to reduce the small business rate multiplier by a full 20p to make an impact on bills, but at the most recent Budget the small business rate multiplier was only differentiated by 5p.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall said: “Convenience stores in every constituency across the country have been hit with significant increases in their business rates bills this year, forcing many to delay or cancel investment plans. Andy Burnham’s proposals to raise the small business rate relief threshold would ensure that most independent convenience store retailers will pay no rates at all, relieving pressure at a time when the cost of trading is at an all time high.”
While the proposals are welcome for many small retailers, ACS has also warned that this measure cannot be the only intervention to make the rates system fairer as larger convenience stores and forecourt retailers are paying way over the odds on their rates bills and just as heavily affected by the rising cost of doing business.
Earlier this summer, ACS launched the #Checkout the Cost of Trading campaign, urging retailers to write to the Chancellor ahead of the next Budget and call for action on mitigating the cost of trading. This includes more effective support on business rates, employment costs and removing barriers to investment.
ACS is calling for wider reform of the business rates system that recognises the role of high streets, the pressures on small businesses, levels the playing field with online competitors, and incentivises investment in premises. For more information, please see ACS' Five Principles for Business Rates Reform.
