A five-point plan to Save Our Shops (SOS) has been issued by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
 

Bira is asking for the following:

Urgent business rates reform - the current system is outdated and unfair 

Improved parking and accessibility to high streets and towns to boost footfall 

Preventative action, and extra support, for retailers affected by crime  

Provision to support and encourage new businesses with tax allowances 

Fairer implementation of the new Digital Service Tax to generate more income from the large internet businesses.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira's CEO, said: "Without radical change, more businesses will close and the sight of empty shops and buildings will be prevalent in every town and on every high street. This is why Bira is issuing its new SOS manifesto."