More than 200 booksellers and authors have called on Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to offer independent bookshops the same tax relief as pubs. Maggie O’Farrell, Katherine Rundell, Adam Kay and Elif Shafak are among many authors supporting a campaign launched by independent bookshops urging PM Burnham to extend the business rates relief for pubs, clubs and live music venues to bookshops too.
In an open letter to Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, organised by the Booksellers Association, those backing the campaign warned that rising costs could put some bookshops at risk of closure. They ask for the same consideration as other businesses that play a significant and positive role in communities.
The campaign follows the government’s announcement last month of a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April 2027. The move from Burnham’s government is part of a wider plan to tackle the high street, reducing the number of betting shops, vape stores and “rogue operators”.
The open letter to Burnham and Healey, explains: “Bookshops do much more than just sell books.
“Ninety-two per cent of bookshops run community events that support literacy and bring people together. They champion authors and publishers, host school visits, reading groups and cultural events, and help sustain vibrant high streets.’
About 400 independent bookshops in England and Wales will face an average rise in their rates bills of £4,563 a year by 2030. Across the sector, business rates receipts are projected to increase by 45% nominally. Booksellers argue that unlike many retailers, bookshops tend to adhere to recommended retail prices (RRP), so cannot simply increase prices to offset these rising costs. They add that they have been “increasingly frustrated by the Treasury’s repeated claim that it has supported the retail sector through business rates changes”, asking for support for bookshops to survive.
“Independent bookshops are the beating hearts of our high streets and communities”, said O’Farrell, author of Hamnet. “They need all the support we can give them.”
