Other News

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the second part of the HM Treasury’s fundamental review of business rates in England, outlining the key measures needed to ensure that the system supports local shops’ ability to invest and continue to provide their communities with essential products and services.

The second part of the review focused on valuations, appeals, the administration of business rates and alternatives to business rates.

In its submission ACS made a number of key recommendations, including:

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation on reducing single-use plastic in Wales.

The Welsh Government is proposing a ban on nine single-use plastic items including; plastic straws, cotton buds and plastic stirrers, similar to the ban in England which came into effect on 1st October 2020.

The consultation proposes a ban on the following nine single-use items:

ACS has welcomed the passing of a Bill which will delay the next re-evaluation of business rates to 2023.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill, postpones the date on which the next re-evaluation of business rates in England and Wales takes effect from 2022 to 2023. The Scottish Government has also committed to delay its 2022 revaluation until 2023.

Today (13^th October) ACS’ Heart of the Community Conference brought together convenience retailers, industry experts and senior policymakers to discuss the latest policy agenda and celebrate local shops’ response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Bestselling author and political academic Professor Matthew Goodwin addressed the conference, providing insight on the current political landscape, the forces shaping British politics and how these policies could impact convenience retailers and their businesses.

ACS has welcomed additional funding for police forces and local councils to step up Covid-19 enforcement, calling for support for retailers and colleagues facing abuse in stores.

The additional £60m, split between police forces and local councils, is intended to help ensure that people are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions, especially in high risk areas. In addition to extra police on the streets, the funding is intended to provide support to local enforcement officers, stewards and marshals who are helping communities and businesses to follow the guidelines.