Bira has welcomed key elements of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spending Review announcement and praised the government's commitment to high street safety and community regeneration, particularly increased funding for policing and new investment in deprived communities across the UK.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "In our submission to the spending review we asked for more money to be spent on keeping high streets safe. It looks as if that has happened with more neighbourhood police officers promised and increased spending for the police.
"We also asked for continued investment in high streets around the UK. There have been no specific references to this but we are pleased to see the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been given a new local growth fund and money to invest in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, to fund interventions including community cohesion, regeneration and improving the public realm."
The Chancellor's announcement includes a 2.3% real terms yearly funding increase for policing in England and Wales, representing more than £2bn in additional investment. This funding is intended to support government pledges on cutting crime and increasing police numbers – issues of critical importance to independent retailers who continue to face challenges with retail crime.
Bira, which champions the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain, has consistently campaigned for enhanced high street safety measures and sustained investment in local communities. The organisation represents thousands of independent retailers through its member associations.
"The details are missing but we urge the department and the Mayors to focus on high street regeneration," added Mr Goodacre. "Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets and local communities. While we welcome this investment, it's crucial that it translates into tangible improvements for the independent retail sector."
The Spending Review outlines day-to-day budgets for government departments over the next three years, with the NHS receiving a 3% annual funding increase and additional resources allocated to defence and housing.
