The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has responded to the Queen’s Speech, pledging to continue working closely with Government on legislation that will affect local shops in the coming year.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the focus on delivering growth and reducing burdens on everyday entrepreneurs like local shop owners who trade in every community across the country. We will continue to work closely with Government to ensure that the proposals included in today’s speech help our members to grow, invest and create jobs.”
On specific Bills he said:
National Insurance Bill: “Local stores already create over 372,000 jobs, and increasing wage costs put pressure on retailers’ ability to employ more people. We believe that the Employment Allowance proposed in the National Insurance Bill will provide direct help to local retailers helping them to take on new staff.”
Anti-Social Behaviour Bill: “The Anti-social Behaviour Bill will have a positive effect, as it takes consideration of the impact of anti-social behaviour on the business community. We welcome the fact that the Government has listened to our recommendations on including business crime in the community trigger and setting a cap on reporting incidents.”
Deregulation Bill: “ACS has played a full part in the Government’s deregulation drive and will continue to support it through the Deregulation Bill. We welcome in particular the duty imposed on regulators to promote growth as often it is the way rules are enforced, rather than the rules themselves; that creates a burden for business.”
Ministers also announced legislation including a draft Consumer Rights Bill and Immigration Bill that will impose new rules relevant to local shops. These Bills will be subject to ‘pre-legislative’ scrutiny, and ACS says it will monitor their development.
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