The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has vowed to continue to fight for retailers who have missed out on government support.
The pledge follows the findings of the Treasury Select Committee that one million people had missed out on receiving any financial support during the pandemic.
The committee’s report is supported by Bira’s own research, which revealed many members found themselves ineligible for government support.
People who missed out included those who have recently started a business and so don’t have enough information about company turnover, and those who pay themselves through dividends.
Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s ceo said: “Bira has been saying since the Government’s schemes were introduced that too many independent retailers would not receive any support; rates too high, previous income too high, earnings through dividend were all barriers to receiving urgent support.
“Even though shops are re-opening we believe that more must be done to support these people whose livelihoods are at risk.”
