Large Retailer Tax 'Retrograde Step'

Major retailers are calling for the introduction of legislation that would enable them to make properly targeted contributions to the 'health' of Northern Ireland's high streets - and not a tax on larger traders as has been proposed.

The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) is urging the Executive to put in place the necessary framework for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) instead of introducing the proposed Large Retailer Levy.

The planned tax on large retail premises would harm growth, job creation and town centres without any guarantee the money raised would reach the small retailers the Executive said it is intended for.

By contrast, BIDs are partnerships where businesses and local authorities agree priorities for action and investment. These deal with each town centre on an individual basis, funding specific initiatives, which will genuinely benefit local communities and trade.

Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Jane Bevis, said: "Major retailers already make sizeable contributions to the Northern Ireland economy through business rates and other taxes, as well as by being major employers.

"Those contributions will continue and, given the right environment for success, will grow.

"Town centres do need reinvigoration and investment, but the proposed Large Retailer Levy is a blunt instrument which would do more harm than good. Enabling the creation of Business Improvement Districts instead would allow retailers to get directly involved with specific initiatives," she said.

"There are also practical steps which could be taken now to help all town centre businesses, such as improving public transport, providing affordable parking and having effective crime prevention measures. Retailers are ready to pay their way.

"Let's all work together to make sure any funds are gathered and spent effectively," she concluded.

(BMcC/GK)