A delegation from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) will meet with Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Business,to discuss the retention of the retail business rates discount.

Taking place on October 1, the meeting will be attended by Bira president John Jones, chair of the local partnership countil Surinder Josan, director of marketing John Halliday and CEO Andrew Goodacre.

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief, currently offering a 75% discount to small independent retailers, is due to expire in March 2025.

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Bira is urging the Chancellor to extend this relief in the upcoming Autumn Statement, later this month.

In addition to the key issue of business rates, the delegation will address other concerns for independent retailers, including rising retail crime, investment in high streets, parking and accessibility, and access to cash.

CEO of Bira Andrew Goodacre said: “We have new Government with a focus on growth. We want to demonstrate the role indie retailers play in delivering growth.”

In a submission to the Treasury, Bira urged the Government to freeze the small business multiplier at 49.9p, continue the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) scheme, and maintain the RHL relief payment at a 75% discount until the wholesale reform of business rates is completed.

According to the association, these measures are seen as vital lifelines for independent retailers struggling in a challenging economic climate.

Andrew Goodacre said: “Business rates reliefs have been a crucial support mechanism for years, and they’ve never been more needed than now.

“We are deeply concerned that the new Labour Government might not extend the RHL relief in its efforts to address the £22 billion deficit in the UK’s finances.

“However, any increase in rates payable by smaller high street businesses would be catastrophic for our sector, threatening their ability to sustain operations and invest in growth.”

He added: “If this rates relief comes to an end, coupled with the likely 6% increase in the National Living Wage, many independent retailers will face an existential crisis.

“Bira is calling on the Chancellor to live up to her conference speech, where she stated that ‘high street businesses breath new live into communities’ but ‘high street businesses are punished by an outdated system of business rates’.”

“Bira believes the Chancellor can only make this happen by retaining these reliefs that are not just about supporting individual businesses, but also maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of UK high streets, which play a crucial role in local economies and communities.”