Is a councillors supermarket levy a good idea for Melksham?

A PROPOSAL from two independent Wiltshire councillors to impose a 8.5% levy on major supermarkets to boost town centres has divided opinions amongst locals and will be heard at next week’s full council meeting. 

Councillors Terry Chivers and Jeff Osborn have put a notice of motion to the next full council on 12th November, calling for the levy to fund reduced car parking charges, and in some cases free parking across the county. The councillors explained that councils now have the power to impose the levy on major retailers and large retailers, with the levy going direct to the council to improve and promote the local community.

However, the levy seems to have divided opinion with many residents in Melksham getting in touch with the Melksham News to share their thoughts. Steve Savage said, “A levy on supermarkets – what planet are these two councillors on? Next to the council and Cooper Tyres they are probably the next biggest employers in the area.  If the high street is dying one of the probable causes is a changing market and the way the consumer chooses to shop, not the arrival of Sainsbury’s, Asda and Waitrose.

“If they really want to help existing and attract new businesses in the town two words – business rates! Try lobbying central government on this issue on behalf of local businesses. If their proposed levy gets the go ahead then probably prices will rise to claw back the money so in the long run we all lose out, so anyone thinking of signing their petition, please don’t!”

Terry Deakin from Bowerhill agreed. He said, “Yes the High Street like many others is dying and an 8.5% levy will not make the supermarkets go away. They will just pass it on to the customer and let’s not forget who gave them permission to build in the first place and who put the extra charge on the car parking.”

Some residents, however, feel the levy is a good idea with one saying, “I am 100% behind this initiative. The High Street as we have known it, is under its biggest threat at this time and there are very clear reasons for this. Supermarkets are not completely responsible for this threat, but they are the biggest contributor. The levy is a very good idea.”

In explaining the thinking behind the supermarket levy, one of its proponents, cllr Osborn said, “Car parking charges are a major problem in the county and this is a simple way to solve the problem. Our High Streets are dying and we must do all in our power to help the small independent retailer. These out-of-town retailers are making massive profits, and it’s time they put something back into the local community.”

The levy currently has over 250 signatures and can be viewed at http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/levy-on-wiltshire-supermarkets.

Have your say! Tell us here at the Melksham News what your thoughts are on the levy. Email news@melkshamnews.co.uk