UK booksellers urge Labour to reform unfair business taxes

UK booksellers are urging the new Labour government to tackle what they see as unfair trade taxes that are having a serious impact on small businesses, reports The Libraire.com.

Kate Skipper, Waterstones’ chief operating officer, said: “We are calling on the new government to prioritise reform of the outdated and unfair business tax system which is currently stifling town centres.”

She went on to stress that “the current system is archaic, unfair and detrimental to the vitality of high streets and surrounding communities. Its reform will promote local regeneration and stimulate job creation.”

Sam Taylor, co-founder of Max Minerva bookshop in Bristol, expressed hope for broader support for public and school libraries, a greater emphasis on arts education and recognition of the economic importance of the creative sector. On business taxes, he criticised their disproportionate burden on small businesses, pointing out that independent bookshops often pay more per square foot than Amazon warehouses.

Taylor expressed scepticism about rapid change but stressed the urgency of repairing the damage done to high streets and local businesses over the past 14 years.

Meryl Halls, chief executive of the Booksellers Association, stressed the association’s commitment to working with the Labour government on the initiatives promised in its manifesto to improve high streets and the business environment.

Halls also stressed the importance of continued dialogue with labour ministers and officials on issues critical to the book trade, such as copyright and the impact of AI, expressing optimism about a return to effective governance after a long period of uncertainty.

A bookworm and proud library cardholder, Angela is new to the world of e-readers. She has a background in education, crisis intervention, fitness, and enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and exploring. With a degree in anthropology, Angela also studied writing after graduation. She has contributed to The London Free Press, The Gazette, The Londoner, Best Version Media, Lifeliner, and Citymedia.ca.