Britain's independent bookshops are facing crippling business rate hikes that could double within years and threaten to wipe out the industry. Devastating new analysis from the sector reveals some booksellers face rate increases of up to 100 per cent, while the total tax burden of the whole industry is set to balloon by 45 per cent by the end of this decade.
Campaigners warn of impossible choices
Campaigners say the figures expose the impossible choices facing booksellers - either invest in stock, staff and literacy programs, or fork out more cash to the taxman. Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride MP saw first hand the impact of Labour's policies when visiting John Sandoe Books in central London. The store is facing soaring bills despite having served their local community for generations.
Sir Mel: System out of step with high street reality
Sir Mel said the figures exposed a system "out of step with modern high street reality". "When a bookshop has to sell over a thousand extra books just to pay its tax bill, something has gone badly wrong," he warned. Bookshops were not "luxury businesses - they are community anchors" the top Tory declared. He added: "Labour's business rates hike is punishing the very businesses that keep our high streets alive. A future Conservative government will abolish business rates for thousands of businesses on our high streets."
Analysis reveals steep increases
Analysis from the Booksellers Association shows independent shops outside full relief face average annual increases of £4,563. It further exposed that the sector's overall burden will rise from £4.14million to more than £6million by 2029-30. That means that some shops would need to sell more than 1,000 extra books each year just to cover the rising costs.
Smaller shops hit hardest
The Association has warned that 85% of booksellers are now less likely to invest in staff, stock or events, while fewer than 10% feel confident about trading sustainably. Smaller shops are being hit hardest, facing average increases of more than 50% compared with far lower rises for larger operators.
Bookshops as community anchors
Sir Mel said independent bookshops were far more than mere retailers. The shadow chancellor told the Daily Express: "Bookshops are not just shops. They are classrooms, cultural spaces, and community hubs. If the government is serious about its National Year of Reading, we must protect the places that make reading possible."
Government response
A government spokesman said that they "have the right economic plan" and are "backing high streets by reforming business rates". They added that would include "a £4.3bn support package to limit bills rises, capping Corporation Tax at 25%, cutting red tape and taking action on the cost of living to keep footfall strong."
