Insurance News Archive
FSB calls for help for retail insurance customers at risk of closure
Written by Dan Winters
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that village shops and pubs could face closure unless action is taken to help rural retail insurance customers.
In a new report the body claims that despite stores, post offices and petrol stations in rural settlements being eligible for funding from local authorities, nearly half are missing out on the benefits.
The FSB's review, called A New Approach to the Rural Economy, calls on the Treasury to increase the avenues of funding available to local councils so they are able to offer 100 per cent rate relief for a 12-month period to help retail insurance customers weather the storm of the economic downturn.
Other recommendations include a planning system that encourages the development of a vibrant and diverse business community in the countryside.
Linda Walton, rural affairs and tourism chairman at the FSB, said it is imperative that the Treasury realises the vital importance of village shops and businesses.
"Village shops and pubs are at the heart of village life and the failure of such a business can devastate local communities, the Treasury must ensure our village shops and pubs do not go the same way as the Royal Show," she stated.
Meanwhile, the FSB recently claimed that some retail insurance customers are seeing their businesses enjoy more productive times, with several experiencing a tentative recovery after being severely damaged by the economic downturn.
07 Jul 2009
