The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has published its manifesto ahead of the General Election on 4 July.
The manifesto sets out challenges for the next UK government – and the SGF’s proposed solutions – around five issues of vital interest for local retailers:
- The mounting legislative burden on small businesses;
- The deposit return scheme;
- UK restrictions on disposable vapes and the generational smoking ban;
- The National Living Wage;
- Access to cash.
SGF Chief Executive Pete Cheema commented: “Ministers in both Westminster and Edinburgh have a duty to ensure that new regulation is supporting our good, well-meaning businesses, and not pulling the rug out from under them.
“That is why we are asking the new UK Government, whatever their political views, to take a serious look at how overregulation is impacting small business, local shops and the entire UK supply chain.
“Our manifesto sets out five key areas, where powers rest with decision makers in the UK parliament, and over the coming weeks we will keep an eagle eye on the promises that are made throughout the campaign to support business and grow the economy.”
SGF will host a General Election hustings for retailers and Scottish convenience representatives on 11 June in Falkirk. All six of the major political parties in Scotland have been invited to attend and set out their plans for the next UK parliament.
