Independent councillors in Bath and North East Somerset are urging the local council to take stronger action to support small and rural businesses, highlighting the risk of widespread closures under current policies.
The group, Independents for B&NES, emphasizes that small businesses are the “backbone” of local communities and proposes several measures aimed at revitalizing the high street. Their suggestions include scrapping parking charges in small town centres, providing grants to help offset energy costs, and implementing greater business rate relief.
Group leader Councillor Karen Walker, representing Peasedown, expressed deep concern: “We are increasingly witnessing the closure of small businesses and the rise of empty shops. These establishments are crucial to our communities and to the daily lives of our residents.”
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Saltford Councillor Chris Warren criticized existing parking fees, labeling them “unpopular” and detrimental to trade in towns like Midsomer Norton. “Parking charges have negatively impacted local commerce at a time when businesses are already struggling due to rising costs, fewer customers, and competition from online shopping,” he said. “Eliminating parking fees would provide much-needed support and breathe new life into our town centres.”
The councillors also cited soaring business rates and rising overheads as key factors forcing many small traders to close. Councillor Gavin Heathcote, also from Peasedown, argued that more support is needed from both national and local government to prevent small businesses from being edged out by larger corporations. “The decline of the High Street is a direct consequence of inadequate decision-making,” he affirmed. “Our proposals represent a positive shift that will help safeguard small and rural businesses while strengthening the local economy.”
These proposals have been formally presented in a letter to the council leader ahead of the upcoming cabinet meeting in July at the Guildhall, signaling a push for urgent action to protect Bath and North East Somerset’s vital local retailers.