Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week urged shoppers to and support local shops and businesses in the town in the run-up to Christmas.
He made the comments on Monday (December 1st) as the Christmas shopping season got into full swing despite continuing economic concerns.
“We should support our local high streets,” he said. “If we fail to do so, they may become decimated; as a result of which we will see other household names fighting for survival alongside Woolworths.”
“Many shops will disappear if the public continues to abandon their local high street in favour of visiting out of town shopping malls.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com’s shopping guide here provides a list of Burnham’s best local businesses.
Following the Government’s announcement that it is introducing a new, lower rate of VAT, Mr Heathcoat-Amory added that he has received many complaints from owners of small shops regarding the administrative cost of cutting the tax by 2.5%.
Commenting on the affect the reduction is having on the owners of small shops, the MP said: “Shopkeepers welcome the prospect of more spending, but the comments I am getting are that it won’t make a huge difference and it’s an expensive change to implement.”
“Meanwhile, I have a suggestion for small shop owners: check you are getting small business rate relief. It is complex and you have to apply for it, but it’s worth it. I can help individual owners with the details. The rest of us can help by using our local small shops and post offices.”
