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Open Create a legal classification to protect independent businesses in law

Created by Greg Barden
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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.

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.

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    This petition will stay open until 10 October 2026.