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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.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is welcoming the inclusion of additional products to the Healthy Start scheme in England and Wales from October.

Healthy Start is a government initiative which provides pregnant women and parents with young children, who are in receipt of qualifying benefits, Healthy Start vouchers which can be used to purchase certain products in store.

The items currently in the scope of the scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland include: fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, cow’s milk and infant formula suitable for use from birth.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the extension of the ban on business evictions to the end of the year, as announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

The initial ban on evictions was introduced at the start of the pandemic to protect struggling firms, such as restaurants and retailers, from being evicted to the premises and was due to expire at the end of September.