Will other Councils help retailers?
The leading trade association Bira has applauded Barnsley Council’s support package for local businesses and calls on other councils across the UK to follow suit with similar measures.
Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, praised the council’s £5 million initiative offering 100 per cent business rate relief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses from April 2025 to March 2026.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We strongly applaud Barnsley Council for this exemplary initiative that directly addresses the mounting challenges facing our high streets. This is exactly the type of support that independent retailers desperately need in the current economic climate.”
“We are now calling on councils across the UK to follow Barnsley’s lead and implement similar support packages. If there is a surplus of business rates income, that surplus should be returned to businesses in this way. It’s not only fair but makes economic sense for local communities.”
“The triple impact of rising costs, cuts to business rate relief, and increased employer National Insurance contributions has created a perfect storm for retailers. Barnsley has shown leadership by listening to its business community and taking decisive action. Every council in Britain should be examining how they can replicate this model,” he added.
Bira, which works with over 6000 independent businesses nationwide has consistently campaigned on business rates reform as part of its commitment to revitalising and preserving high streets.
ARTICLE FROM “wearebarnsley
Barnsley Council’s Support Scheme Announced for Local Businesses
THE Council has announced a proposed support package of up to £5m for businesses in Barnsley to help safeguard jobs and protect the high streets.
It was announced at the full council meeting on Thursday 27th February 2025 and is funded through surplus business rates collected nationally and locally over the last several years.
This one-off reinvestment will support businesses by offering 100 per cent business rate relief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality businesses who are operating in the borough at the time it goes live.
Money has also been set aside for a business support fund and additional help will be available for businesses who do not meet the other eligibility criteria.
The scheme will come into effect from April 1, 2025, and run until March 31, 2026.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The current landscape for businesses across the country in this sector is becoming increasingly difficult with many of the contributing factors out of their control.”
“We’ve listened to the concerns of businesses in Barnsley about the challenges they’re facing and are responding comprehensively with this package of support to help safeguard jobs and protect the vibrancy of our high streets.”
“These businesses are the beating heart of our town centre and high streets, and maintaining their strength is crucial for the benefit of our wider economy. This intervention will allow businesses to continue to thrive, which was one of the missions in our new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy and make Barnsley an attractive place to invest.”
Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, added: “Businesses in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors have played a transformational role in the regeneration of Barnsley’s town centre – the net result of which is job creation, entrepreneurship and a boost to the local economy through the thousands of visitors attracted to the town each week.”
Continuing, “Yet against this backdrop, businesses are facing uncertain futures. The triple whammy of rising cost pressures, cuts to business rate relief and April’s employer National Insurance increases have forced some to place recruitment plans on hold, whilst others are facing the stark reality of redundancies or survival.”
“When the Chamber relayed the very real concerns of our members, Barnsley Council listened and responded. We welcome and fully support the measures introduced by Barnsley Council which will offer some vital relief to some, as well as giving businesses the confidence to continue investing in the town.”
“I hope other areas across the UK will follow the example of the progressive and collaborative work being delivered in Barnsley.”
