Create a legal classification to protect independent businesses in law
Independent businesses cannot compete in a market transformed by online giants, yet policy burdens them as if nothing has changed. They don't just create jobs; they provide social cohesion, community identity and shared spaces no algorithm can replace. The Government must recognise this and act.
Signatures
19
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 19/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 19/100,000
- 10 APR 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Greg Barden
Background
1. Create a protected legal classification for independent, place-based businesses so policy can differentiate them from chains and online operators. 2. Immediately reduce and reform business rates for independents to reflect the reality of a market fundamentally changed by online retail. 3. Introduce a reduced VAT rate of 10% for qualifying independent hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.