'Government is missing the mark when it comes to understanding SMEs'
The recent budget announcement raises concerns for small businesses like Freshfields Market. Increased costs and lack of support overshadow positive measures.
Retailer Benedict Selvaratnam from Freshfields Market in Croydon
Government is "missing the mark" when it comes to understanding the struggles faced by small business owners, a convenience store owner has said, adding that Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget has left many small, family-run businesses feeling overlooked.
Retailer Benedict Selvaratnam, who runs his family business Freshfields Market in Croydon, is "disappointed" by the recent budget announcement. He feels that the bigger-than-expected increase in wage cost, rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions and reduction in business rates relief will significantly raise the business operating costs
Among the key measures announced by Reeves that directly impact local stores are an increase in National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour and increase in National Minimum Wage (18-20 rate) to £10 per hour. The two are collectively expected to cost £513 million extra to the convenience sector next year, according to convenience store body Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
Additionally, Employers’ National Insurance Contributions will rise by 15 per cent, the threshold for Employers’ National Insurance contributions to fall to £5,000 per year and Employment Allowance to rise to £10,500 a year. The collective cost to the convenience sector next year is estimated by ACS at £397m (increase of £85m).
Expressing his concerns, Selvaratnam told Asian Trader, "As a small, independent family business, Freshfields Market already operates on tight margins to keep our prices competitive for the local community. The increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions and reduction in business rates relief will significantly raise our operating costs.
"These changes come at a time when small businesses are still trying to recover from economic challenges, and it could hinder our ability to invest in growth, hire more staff, or even maintain our current workforce. It feels like a step backward for small businesses that are vital to our high streets."
Selvaratnam finds some relief in the shoplifting measures announced in the budget though he stresses on the need of proper enforcement as well.
He said, "The measures proposed to tackle shoplifting are a positive move and much needed. Shoplifting has become a major issue for retailers, especially in communities where economic pressures are high. Abolishing the £200 threshold and enforcing stricter penalties sends a strong message that theft won’t be tolerated.
"However, for these measures to be effective, enforcement needs to be consistent and supported by local law enforcement. It’s a step in the right direction, but we need ongoing support to ensure our staff and customers feel safe and protected."
"While the shoplifting measures are encouraging, the increased financial burden placed on small businesses outweighs the positives. It feels like the government is missing the mark when it comes to understanding the struggles faced by SMEs. We need policies that support growth and sustainability, not measures that add pressure to already strained resources.
"This budget has left many small, family-run businesses feeling overlooked."
Earlier, retailers' body British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) too strongly criticised Reeves’ budget, calling it the “most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory”, with a triple blow of doubled business rates, increased National Insurance, and higher minimum wage costs threatening widespread high street closures.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "Small retailers, who have already endured years of challenging trading conditions, now face a perfect storm of crippling cost increases. Their business rates will more than double as relief drops from 75 per cent to 40 per cent, while they're hit simultaneously with employer National Insurance rising to 15 per cent and a lower threshold of £5,000, down from £9,100. Add to this the minimum wage increase to £12.21, and many of our members are telling us they simply cannot survive this onslaught."
Goodacre added, "For all the government's rhetoric about supporting small businesses and revitalising high streets, their actions do precisely the opposite. These punishing measures will force many shop owners to make heart-breaking decisions about their businesses' future.
"What makes this particularly bitter is that these are family businesses, often built up over generations, run by people who work incredibly long hours to serve their communities. They're now being asked to shoulder an impossible burden while trying to compete with online giants who face none of these cost pressures."
Shoppers’ ability to afford Christmas treats has been put under threat as retailers warned November could mark a turning point for inflation, with the recent fall in prices slowing amid increased fresh produce costs and fewer discounts on the shelves.
According to figures released by British Retail Consortium (BRC) today (26), shop price deflation was at 0.6 per cent in November, up from deflation of 0.8 per cent in the previous month. This is slightly above the 3-month average rate of -0.7 per cent. Shop price annual growth remained its lowest rate since September 2021.
Food inflation slowed to 1.8 per cent in November, down from 1.9 per cent in October. This is below the 3-month average rate of 2.0 per cent. The annual rate continues to ease in this category and inflation remained at its lowest rate since November 2021.
Fresh Food inflation accelerated in November, to 1.2 per cent, up from 1.0 per cent in October. This is in line with the 3-month average rate of 1.2 per cent. Inflation was its lowest since November 2021.
Ambient Food inflation decelerated to 2.7 per cent in November, down from 3.1 per cent in October. This is below the 3-month average rate of 3.0 per cent and remained at its lowest since February 2022.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said, “November was the first time in 17 months that shop price inflation has been higher than the previous month, albeit remaining overall in negative territory. Food prices increased for fresh products such as seafood, which is more vulnerable to high import and processing costs, especially during winter.
"Tea prices also remained high as poor harvests in key producing regions continued to impact supply. While coffee prices experienced a momentary dip, price rises are imminent as global coffee prices approach record highs. In non-food, while many retailers unwound some of their discounting, there are still many bargains across fashion and furniture.
"Customers looking to upgrade their electricals were able to pick up some great deals in early Black Friday sales. With significant price pressures on the horizon, November’s figures may signal the end of falling inflation.
"The industry faces £7 billion of additional costs in 2025 because of changes to Employers’ National Insurance Contributions, business rates, an increase to the minimum wage and a new packaging levy.
"Retail already operates on slim margins, so these new costs will inevitably lead to higher prices. If the government wants to prevent this, it must reconsider the existing timelines for the new packaging levy, while ensuring any changes to business rates offer a meaningful reduction for all retailers as early as possible.”
Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, NielsenIQ, said: “Shoppers are still being cautious by shopping savvy for the essentials and holding back their discretionary spend, so the lower level of inflation should help sentiment ahead of Black Friday promotions. And with lower inflation than this time last year, many food retailers are extending offers and discounts to help sales momentum in December.”
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), which produces the tracker for the supermarket, predicted that households will face “dampened spending power over the festive period”. It said the rising cost of essentials would be particularly concerning for households on lower incomes.
More than a million illegal vapes were seized by Trading Standards in 2023/2024, new data released today from National Trading Standards (NTS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) show.
A joint initiative named Operation Joseph has tracked over 1.19 million illegal vapes removed from sale across England, a 59 per cent increase in the number seized compared to the previous year. The products seized failed to meet basic UK safety standards, with most containing excess nicotine levels.
New data also shines a spotlight on sales of vapes to children. In Q4 2023-24, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of the 775 test purchases conducted in-person by Trading Standards resulted in illegal sales to under 18s.
Meanwhile, Operation CeCe — a joint initiative between NTS and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) running since 2021 — continues to disrupt the illicit tobacco trade. In 2023-24, over 19 million illicit cigarettes and more than 5,103 kg of hand-rolling tobacco worth £11.7 million were seized by Trading Standards. Since the operation started three years ago, 46 million illicit cigarettes and 12,600kg of hand-rolling tobacco have been seized, disrupting the illegal trade which undermines efforts to drive down smoking rates – including taxation policies.
“The protection of communities, public health and the safeguarding of honest businesses who are struggling to compete with the flood of illegal products lies at the heart of what Trading Standards does,” said Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards.
“Trading Standards has seized nearly 1.2 million illegal vapes and more than £26 million worth of illicit tobacco so far. But the reality is further action is necessary to remove more illegal – and in many cases dangerous – products from sale.
“Illicit tobacco undermines legitimate retailers, funds wider crime, and harms public health while depriving our vital public services of around £2.2 billion a year,” said Richard Las, Director, HMRC Fraud Investigation Service.
“We will continue to work with partners like trading standards to tackle this organised criminal trade that harms our communities. These criminals don’t care who they sell to including children.
“We urge anyone with information about the smuggling, distribution or sale of illicit tobacco to report it online.”
Kate Pike, Lead Officer for Tobacco and Vaping for the Chartered Trading Standards Institute said: “Trading Standards officers recognise that it is really important that adult smokers are able to switch to legal compliant vaping products which carry a fraction of the risk of their lethal tobacco habit. These figures show we are working incredibly hard to remove illegal vapes from our communities and to support businesses not to sell to children. We encourage anyone with information about businesses ignoring the law to report to us so we can continue to target our enforcement resources most effectively.”
Speaking on behalf of the government, Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention added: “This shows just how many illegal and harmful vapes are on our streets, putting consumers and children at risk. To further crack down on illicit trade of tobacco products and vapes, we are investing an extra £10 million to keep these harmful products out of the hands of kids.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will strengthen enforcement activity, allowing Trading Standards to take swifter action to enforce the law, including on non-compliant products, and closing loopholes.”
As the busy shopping period begins with Black Friday and Christmas around the corner, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and its retail members are calling on the public to stand together against violence and abuse towards retail workers this Christmas.
From those working in stores, to those delivering goods and those working in customer service centres, everyone deserves a safe Christmas. Christmas is an incredibly complex and challenging time of year for the retail industry, with stores and delivery services working overtime to deliver for customers. Colleagues are extra busy keeping shelves stocked and ensuring products are delivered on time, yet those working in retail are often subject to more violence and abuse during this period.
The plea comes as incidents of violence and abuse become particularly acute of late, with the most recent crime survey from the BRC showing incidents soar to 1,300 every single day. These incidents, which can include everything from threats with weapons and physical assaults to racial slurs, can take a severe toll on the physical and mental health of victims, who must return to work day after day wondering whether they will be targeted.
With up to a third of all retail sales being made online in the run up to Christmas, delivery drivers will be busier than ever. Violence and abuse is not restricted to those working in stores, delivery drivers have been subjected to abuse, physical violence, and threats with weapons. As a result, many are being equipped with protective measures, such as personal safety devices to alert the police of their whereabouts, and DNA spit testing kits.
Retailers are calling on the Government to ensure the standalone offence for assaulting, threatening, or abusing a retail worker is introduced as quickly as possible and applies to all working in the industry. This would send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, making retail workers safer when doing their job.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said,“As the clock runs down to Christmas, retail colleagues will be working extra hard to look after customers, helping them find what they need, keeping shelves stocked, and delivering gifts to people’s homes. While Christmas is an exceptionally busy time, any mistreatment of our colleagues will not be tolerated and we ask the public to stand with us in the fight against retail crime. Confrontations, be it verbal abuse or physical assault, can take a huge toll on victims, their families and their colleagues. Christmas is a time for everyone to enjoy.
What our colleagues face on a daily basis is completely unacceptable. It is vital that the Government sends a clear message and ensures the new standalone offence applies to all consumer-facing roles in retail. Together we can deliver a safer Christmas for everyone, and end the scourge of violence against retail workers.”
Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of Usdaw, added that retail staff working in stores and delivering to customers deserve far more respect than they receive.
"It is shocking that over two-thirds are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by theft from shops, which is clearly the result of a significant increase in police recorded shoplifting. “Usdaw activists are campaigning in their workplaces and communities calling on the shopping public to ‘respect shop workers’ and ‘keep your cool’, particularly in the runup to Christmas when the number of incidents increases as shops get busy and customers become frustrated. This is a hugely important issue for our members, and they are saying loud and clear that enough is enough.”
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive of Retail Trust, said, “We see a rise in the number of people calling the Retail Trust’s helpline every Christmas as stores get busier and shoppers take out their frustrations on staff. Shop workers tell us they have products thrown at them and smashed up in front of them while those delivering orders get doors slammed in their faces and objects hurled in their direction.
"This completely unacceptable behaviour will leave many with no option but to consider leaving their jobs in the new year due to the understandable toll it takes on their physical and mental health. “The Retail Trust has been running free training in November to give hundreds of retail workers new skills to manage and deal with any difficult situations this Christmas but we’re also asking shoppers to think carefully about the impact they’re having on the people that are working hard to help them. A little bit more patience and kindness will go a long way in making the Christmas shopping experience more enjoyable for everyone.”
Camilla Kater, SVP of Rider & Care at Deliveroo, pointed out that Delivery riders work very hard during the festive season, supporting restaurants and shops to reach customers across the UK.
"We’re urging the Government through our Right to Ride Safely campaign to ensure the standalone offence for assaulting or threatening a retail worker also includes delivery riders given the vital role they play in the retail industry. No one should feel unsafe whilst working, and abuse towards delivery riders should never be tolerated.”
Politicians and councillors are campaigning for post office services to be retained as Post Office Ltd announced the potential closure of its 115 branches to make it more financially sustainable.
The state-owned company says these directly owned branches currently employ about 1,000 workers and are making a loss.
The other 11,000 post offices across the country are franchises.
Railton says it will deliver a new deal for postmasters that “significantly increases their total annual income through revenue sharing and strengthens their role in the direction of the organisation”.
But Torridge and Tavistock Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Cox is seeking assurances that the full range of services on offer at Bideford Post Office will not deteriorate and the Liberal Democrats have set up a petition to save the branch.
Torridge District Councillor for Bideford NorthTeresa Tinsley (Lib Dem) said any threat to the post office in Bideford was “a kick in the teeth for regeneration”.
“The Post Office has been filling a vital gap left by bank closures, it provides vital services to the community and drives footfall in the town centre,” she said. “We need to safeguard the full range of services at the heart of our community.’
Cllr Teresa Tinsley Outside Bideford Post OfficePhoto: Torridge And Tavistock Liberal Democrats
Sir Geoffrey said: “There is no doubt that the Post Office has long pursued the strategy of replacing its directly managed offices with franchised operations.
“The Crown Post Office in Tavistock was replaced some years ago by a franchise, which operates a very wide range of services for the town.”
A move to franchisees would result an additional £250 million extra revenue to sub postmasters, claims the Post Office, but the MP added:
“The quality of a franchise will often depend on finding a suitable partner, and the investment that partner makes in it, and I have sought assurances that the Crown Post Office will remain open for the foreseeable future or at least there will be no deterioration of services in Bideford.”
He said he would be monitoring the situation “very closely”
‘Move rather than closure’
Brigg and Immingham’s Conservative MP Martin Vickers has urged the Post Office to consider a move rather than closure of its central Grimsby postal branch. A government minister said it would be “completely unacceptable” for no Post Office counter services in the town’s commercial centre.
During a debate on the future of the Post Office, Vickers directly raised the Grimsby branch’s possible closure, and suggested it should move to smaller premises, rather than resort to closing it altogether.
“The Minister rightly says that Crown post offices are more costly. I can assure him that the one in Grimsby, for example, could easily operate in much smaller premises or in premises shared with other businesses in the commercial centre of the town. Will the Minister give an assurance that he will ensure the Post Office looks at operating out of alternative premises, and cuts its costs before considering closures?”
Martin VickersPhoto: UK Parliament
The Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron told parliament he was ‘deeply alarmed’ that Kendal Post Office on Stricklandgate appears on the list and added three years ago the previous government and Post Office administration threatened the branch with closure.
Mr Farron said: “We won our campaign to save it, in part because Post Office Ltd could see there was not space at WH Smiths in Kendal to take the Post Office, that has not changed. And likewise, that Royal Mail might lose their sorting office as a consequence of a closure, that has not changed either.
“What has changed is that two more high street banks, Halifax and Lloyds, have deserted Kendal Town Centre on the basis they claim that we’ve got the Post Office down the road, and they will be able to take up the slack.
“Isn’t this the time to give guarantees to Post Office’s like Kendal that they will remain a Crown Office for the foreseeable future to support our town and our economy.”
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition launched by Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, to protect Kendal Post Office against its potential closure.
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes’ Labour MP Melanie Onn has called for a rethink of the potential closure of the Victoria Street South branch, and has launched a petition calling for the branch to be taken off the Post Office’s ‘at risk’ register.
Melanie OnnPhoto: UK Parliament
Ms Onn said she is “deeply saddened” to hear the branch is at risk of closure, and called it “a lifeline for so many residents”.
“Like many in our community, I’m deeply saddened to hear that the Post Office in Grimsby town centre is at risk of closure as part of the Post Office’s strategic review,” said Ms Onn, announcing her petition to save the Grimsby town centre branch. “This branch is a lifeline for so many residents, and it’s one of the few places left that operates as a larger scale, traditional Post Office.
“We mustn’t forget how much more the Post Office provides beyond delivering and collecting mail. It’s a place where people can bank, get passport forms, and sort out things like travel insurance. For those who aren’t comfortable using the internet, these in-person services are absolutely vital, and we need to make sure they remain available for everyone.”
In response, business minister Gareth Thomas said: “We have made it clear to the Post Office that it has to talk to sub-postmasters, stakeholders and the trade unions about the costs associated with directly managed branches. We are committed to the requirement to ensure there is easy access to a post office branch for every community, up and down the country.”
He added the government encouraged the Post Office to continue to talk to the sub-postmasters who run branches in communities. “It’s completely unacceptable that the commercial centre of the town should not have access to Post Office counter services. Shared or smaller premises must be fully explored before a decision is taken.”
The Post Office needs an annual government subsidy to be viable, and reported pre-tax losses of over £80m in 2022/23. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is also opposing the possible closures.
London to lose 32 branches
Up to 32 Post Office branches across London could close as part of a national shake-up aimed at restructuring the business. The city is home to around 28 per cent of the 115 earmarked branches across the UK.
One of the branches listed is the Post Office branch in Cricklewood Broadway, which has prompted a campaign by councillors across three boroughs to advocate for its continued operation. Local representatives in Brent, Barnet, and Camden have written to the company urging it to reconsider and formally oppose the decision.
Signed by six councillors representing the tri-borough area, the letter states: “The Cricklewood Post Office performs a crucial role for the residents in our communities. It is a much-used community hub, which often has long queues and offers a variety of face-to-face services on which residents depend. This is particularly the case for elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents, or those lacking the skills or devices to access services at home.”
It adds: “The Post Office also benefits the local community by promoting footfall along Cricklewood Broadway, at a time when the vitality of many local high streets is at risk. Closing this community asset would not only inconvenience hundreds of Cricklewood residents, but could also have detrimental effects on the local economy.”
Cricklewood Broadway Post OfficePhoto: Google Maps via LDRS
The current Mayor of Brent and councillor for Cricklewood and Mapesbury, Tariq Dar, took to social media to raise more public awareness that the Cricklewood Broadway branch is ‘at risk’. He said the news had ‘spurred strong and immediate opposition’ amongst local representatives and residents.
Cllr Dar said: “Cricklewood Broadway. Meetings are already underway to discuss campaign strategies, including drafting letters to Post Office executives and organising a public awareness effort. This coordinated response emphasises the community’s reliance on the post office for essential services and underscores a commitment to keep it accessible.”
He added: “This proactive approach draws on past successes in defending the post office and reflects a unified stance against closures that could impact vulnerable groups and local businesses.”
Seeks meeting
Derry City and Strabane District Council will seek a meeting with Post Office management and Royal Mail representatives to discuss the proposed closure of Derry’s General Post Office (GPO).
At this month’s Business and Culture Committee, People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin proposed writing to the representatives about the closure, and to also to seek clarification on the continuing lateness of letter delivery throughout the district.
Councillor Harkin said the Post Office’s plans to “offload” 115 branches, including the main branches in Belfast and Derry, were “very concerning” and requested the meeting to discuss the closures’ impact on services and staff.
He added: “The union that represents Post Office workers have come out very, very strongly against this.”
“We should be with the union because I think that they have the right concerns: workers and communities and how it will impact them.”
DUP Alderman Julie Middleton said, “The reality is not all of our constituents do online banking and do things by going into the post office and dealing with their business there and then, not everyone has access to emails [or] the internet.
“Not everybody needs to travel for miles and miles because their local post office has been closed, especially our older and our vulnerable people, and we’re going to see that knock on effect if the GPO closes.”
Tim Farron outside Kendal Post OfficePhoto: Liberal Democrats
Local councillors and MPs in Barnet are opposing plans to close three local Post Office branches.
The Barnet, Golders Green and Cricklewood branches are among 115 under threat of closure following the chair of the Post Office’s five-year ‘transformation plan’ announcement last week.
In response, Labour councillors and Barnet MPs have joined forces to save the local branches under threat, with three separate petitions being signed by more than 3,000 people combined.
Supporting the campaign, council leader Barry Rawlings said: “Post offices are at the heart of our high streets and it is vital that we protect them. I am backing Barnet Labour’s campaign to keep the Golders Green and Barnet post offices open.”
Cricklewood Post Office, in Cricklewood Broadway, technically lies on the Brent side of the borough boundary, which runs through the high street.
Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman said: “Post offices provide essential services for our community.
“This announcement is extremely concerning for people in Golders Green and Cricklewood, for residents and local businesses alike.
“I will continue to reach out to residents, activists and staff over the next few days to discuss how we can protect these much-needed services – and mitigate any potential impact on jobs.”
Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson said: “I am deeply concerned that Barnet Post Office has been earmarked for closure.
“Post offices are cornerstones in our local communities, providing vital services and creating jobs for residents.
“I encourage all constituents to make their voices heard and sign the petition launched in collaboration with our local councillors. Now and always, I will campaign to protect Chipping Barnet’s services.”
Childs Hill councillor Nigel Young, whose ward contains Golders Green Post Office, said: “Golders Green Post Office is a lynchpin of our high street. Closing it would be a blow to our local economy and community. Let’s fight together to keep it open and please sign the petition.”
‘Considering all options’
Politicians in North Wales have written to Neil Brocklehurst, the acting chief executive of the Post Office, saying that the potential closure of a Post Office branch could be the “final nail in the coffin” for Caernarfon.
Arfon MS Siân Gwenllian, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts MP, North Wales regional MS Llŷr Huws Gruffydd and Caernarfon councillor Cai Larsen have written the joint letter.
They said: “The Post Office is duty-bound to offer a certain level of face-to-face services in order to comply with the accessibility needs of residents.
“Gwynedd as a county has a higher median age than Wales as a whole, and a lack of trust or access means that some of our more senior constituents remain digitally excluded. In addition, within Caernarfon town lies the Peblig ward, a ward that consistently ranks highest for deprivation in Gwynedd in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD).
“Digital poverty is a very real issue in our communities, which places even more emphasis on the need for in-person services.
“Furthermore the Caernarfon branch serves a wider, more rural area than the town itself and with a lack of a proper public transport infrastructure an acute problem in this area, expecting constituents to travel further afield to access services is unreasonable.
“Let us conclude by highlighting Caernarfon’s very unique linguistic needs, needs that aren’t necessarily always met by online services or services in nearby towns. As a predominantly Welsh-speaking community, receiving services through the medium of their first language is essential in sustaining people’s trust and loyalty to the Post Office.
“Caernarfon town centre, like town centres across the county has struggled immensely in recent years, a situation worsened by Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. Removing services such as the one you provide could prove to be the final nail in the coffin.
“At a time when the Post Office should be working to restore trust and public confidence in its services, this proposal rides roughshod over the needs of customers and we urge you to re-think any plans to close your Caernarfon branch.”
A petition to save the branch has also been launched, and Ms Saville Roberts says she will write to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds about the issue.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are considering a range of options to reduce our central costs.
“This includes considering the future of our remaining Directly Managed Branches (DMBs), which are loss-making.
“We have long held a publicly-stated ambition to move to a fully franchised network and we are in dialogue with the unions about future options for the DMBs.”
(Reporting by Alison Stephenson, Ivan Morris Poxton, Dan Hunt, Grant Williams, Andy Balfour, Grace Howarth and Dale Spridgeon of the Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The government on Friday announced that they will introduce new Respect Orders as part of the Crime and Policing Bill.
The measure, a modernised version of the anti-social behaviour orders that were introduced by the last Labour Government, is aimed at the most serious offenders who plague town centres and neighbourhoods with anti-social behaviour.
The Respect Orders will give the police and local councils powers to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public spots such as high streets and local parks. These will be piloted prior to national rollout to make sure they are as effective as possible.
Perpetrators can also be required to address the root cause of their behaviour by being mandated to undertake positive rehabilitation, such as attending drug or alcohol treatment services, or an anger management course to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.
Failure to comply with Respect Orders will be a criminal offence. Police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody who is breaching their Respect Order.
“Antisocial behaviour chips away at communities’ sense of confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims,” Yvette Cooper, home secretary, said.
“This cannot be allowed to continue. Respect Orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated anti-social behaviour, keeping our communities safe and ensuring repeat offenders face the consequences of their actions.”
As well as prison sentences of up to two years, criminal courts will also be able to issue unlimited fines and community orders, such as unpaid work, and curfews as punishment for breaching a Respect Order.
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the announcement, terming it as key step to tackling the epidemic of retail crime.
“After years of the Conservatives effectively decriminalising retail crime, leading to a more than doubling in shoplifting since the pandemic, we now have a government that is delivering on its promise to bring town centre crime under control,” Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said.
“We very much welcome the announcement of new Respect Orders to tackle repeat offenders who terrorise shops and high streets, striking fear into the hearts of retail workers whenever they enter the store.”