3 December 2024
Snap poll to influence government - Empowering Members Through Change
The NHBF’s Survive and Thrive campaign is a bold initiative to empower Members as the industry navigates unprecedented challenges. From rising wage costs to shifting policies, the campaign is designed to support sustainable growth, champion professional excellence, and protect Members’ interests.
Key changes include:
- 6.7% increase in the National Living Wage
- Higher National Insurance contributions
- Reduced business rate relief
Following several Government meetings post-Budget, the NHBF has commissioned an important analysis.
New licensing rules for special procedures
Since 29 November 2024, new licensing rules are in place for the following special procedures in Wales:
- acupuncture (including dry needling)
- body piercing (including ear piercing)
- electrolysis
- tattooing (including semi-permanent makeup and microblading)
It is important to have effective infection prevention and control measures in place for these procedures. Not following such measures can increase the risk of infections for both clients and licence holders. This could result in legal action being taken.
A person who performs any of the 4 designated special procedures, must apply for a special procedure licence. They must apply to their local authority. This applies to all individuals who are currently registered to perform such procedures and all new applicants.
Damage to business and property caused by flooding
If your home or business is damaged due to flooding you may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction or business rates relief.
If your business property has been damaged and is no longer habitable due to the flooding being experienced in parts of the country you may be entitled to relief from business rates. Find out more about what constitutes a material change of circumstance – paragraph 8 relates specifically to flooding.
You may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction if your domestic property is no longer habitable.
In both instances please first contact your local council, who will be able to give you further guidance.
Rogue employers will be banned from hiring overseas workers
Employers who commit serious offences will be banned from hiring overseas workers as part of a government crackdown on visa abuse and prevent exploitation.
Delivering on a key manifesto commitment, businesses that repeatedly flout visa rules or commit serious employment breaches, such as not paying the National Minimum Wage, will be barred from hiring overseas workers.
Campaigning for You - On the Future of the High Street
The House of Lords published a report last week on the future of the high street. Earlier this year, the NHBF submitted written evidence, in which we were quoted twice. We highlighted the importance of business rates relief and the need for government support during the Covid pandemic.
In the report, ‘High Streets: Life beyond retail?', mentions that High streets will only thrive if people can get to them easily and safely. Access by car and sufficient parking are necessary for commercial sustainability, though their adverse consequences can be mitigated by better public transport connectivity, particularly through improved bus networks. Traditional high streets are in competition with the convenience of parking arrangements in out-of-town developments.
As retail occupancy declines and leaves behind vacant units, cafés and restaurants have taken their place. There has also been a rise in the number of charity shops, which benefit from substantial business rates relief and often have lower staff costs, making them more able to afford high street rents. Public authorities are also tentatively moving public-facing services (such as surgeries and libraries) onto high streets. This can both improve access to those civic functions and increase footfall to sustain local businesses.