ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed renewed calls from the influential Business and Trade Committee, urging the government to look again at ways to support small businesses.
The select committee had been tasked with conducting an inquiry into the government’s Small Business Strategy, which ACS provided evidence to. The committee’s report, published in February 2026, made over 60 recommendations to the Government, including:
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).
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).
ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) has warned that rising and increasingly unpredictable business rates bills are making it harder for local shops to invest in their businesses and continue offering the services their communities rely on. With tight margins and rising operational costs, many retailers are finding that higher fixed bills leave less room for improvements, hiring support staff, and essential local services.
The Association of Convenience Stores has written to Exchequer Secretary Dan Tomlinson MP, making the case for independent retailers to be included in any additional support measures currently being drafted by the Treasury.
In the letter, ACS outlines the effect of changes first announced in the Budget which will remove the remaining 40% Covid relief on rates bills for local shops and other retail, hospitality and leisure businesses whilst also leaving retailers to face the prospect of significantly higher bills as a result of the 2026 rates revaluation.
ACS has submitted evidence to the Treasury ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 26th November, calling on the Chancellor to go as far as possible to support convenience retailers via the business rates system and back responsible businesses by funding more enforcement against the illicit trade.
ACS has submitted evidence to the Treasury ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 26th November, calling on the Chancellor to go as far as possible to support convenience retailers via the business rates system and back responsible businesses by funding more enforcement against the illicit trade.
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has launched a new campaign urging retailers to write to their local MP calling for action on business rates in the Autumn Budget.
Ahead of the Budget, ACS is calling on the Government to:
ACS has welcomed the progress of a Bill in parliament that could introduce a permanently lower business rates multiplier for convenience stores and other retailers.
The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill passed its third reading in parliament on Wednesday evening, with the Commons voting 341 to 171 in favour of the Bill.
ACS Government Relations Director Edward Woodall has given evidence to a Committee of MPs in parliament today, responding to a Bill aimed at giving retailers and hospitality businesses more relief on their business rates.
