The ACS is calling on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to give convenience retailers the incentives necessary to invest in the safety, security, and the long-term future of their businesses.
In its submission to the Autumn Statement, taking place on 22 November, ACS has called on the Chancellor to support retailers with stability on business rates, pragmatism on future wage increases, and a commitment to tackling crime in communities across the UK.
Key measures recommended by ACS in the submission include:
- Introduce tax incentives to help businesses invest in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Introduce an mechanism to pause uplifts in National Living Wage if rates have a detrimental impact on employment opportunities and investment.
- Deliver on the Khan Review recommendations for a £15m boost to enforcement against the illicit tobacco and vaping market.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Convenience store retailers have faced incredible challenges over the last year, dealing with enormous energy bills, inflationary pressures in all areas of their businesses, and the all too regular threat of theft and other serious crime.
“We are calling on the chancellor to give this essential sector a much-needed boost, to help them invest more on crime prevention and detection measures, to invest in energy efficient refrigeration and lighting to reduce their costs in the long term, and to introduce more EV charging options for customers. By supporting the convenience sector, the chancellor will make it clear that this government supports local jobs, local services and local investment.”
Figures from the 2023 Local Shop Report show that over the past 12 months, convenience stores invested more than £646m in their businesses in areas like refrigeration, technology, CCTV, wider service provision and a more diverse range of products.
