Federation of Independent Retailers

That the Parliament recognises the contribution that the Federation of Independent Retailers makes in supporting shopkeepers on high streets up and down the country; recognises the reported challenges currently faced by independent retailers in terms of shoplifting costs, anti-social behaviour, preventative security, surging prices due to fuel costs involved in production and delivery, non-domestic rates, as well as challenges of a changing HR landscape, and believes that such businesses need enhanced police-business partnerships, security equipment grants to deter criminal activity and promote safety, properly resourced trading standards officers and visible neighbourhood policing.