Ahead of the General Election on July 4, the British Beauty Council has set out the industry’s key asks to future proof beauty

As leader of legislative change across the hair and beauty sector, the British Beauty Council has compiled feedback from those working in, and buying from, the industry to set out key policy priorities. 

The organisation has identified specific areas which could most significantly benefit our sector. These cover tax reform, green incentives, simplification of trade and more. 

The British Beauty Council’s key asks are: 

Tax and Spend

1. Tax reform including a reassessment of VAT policy, specifically focussing on tapering the current VAT threshold cliff-edge.
2. A wholesale review of the business rates system to create a more level playing field between high-street stores and e-commerce platforms.
3. An increase in the Employment Allowance for SMEs to reward businesses that grow their workforce.
4. The introduction of an internationally competitive, tax-free shopping scheme for international visitors.
5. Tax-deductible business training in new areas of business such as AI and sustainability.
6. A commitment to review the classification of SPF30+ to an ‘essential’ rather than an ‘cosmetic’ item.

Trade and Regulation

1. Targeted investment incentives that prioritise business reshoring and increase UK manufacturing and innovation, particularly in relation to sustainability.
2. A closer and more positive working relationship with the EU in respect of trade and export policy. 
3. A commitment to maintain a sector specific, risk-based, approach to any regulatory reform relating to UK Cosmetics Regulation in order to ensure long-term stability.
4. A commitment to proceed with licensing regulation as secondary regulation under the Health & Care Act 2022 in the aesthetics sector. 
5. A closer and more positive working relationship with the EU in respect of trade and export policy, addressing the barriers that have resulted in £852m drop in sales to Europe since the Brexit vote.

Education and Growth

1. An updated skills and apprenticeship education system that works for a modern Britain, managed under the remit of the Department for Business and Trade to ensure the qualifications are fit-for-purpose for UK business.
2. Greater flexibility regarding the use of Apprenticeship Levy funds to build on and develop skills in the areas both large and small businesses need.
3. The reintroduction of Child Benefit for families of under 18’s who undertake apprenticeship.
4. A focus in resources to ensure improved access to funding for typically disadvantaged groups such as women and ethnic minorities and greater representation at all levels of business and enterprise.

ESG

1. Support and incentives for companies to implement carbon reducing, circular, nature positive and environmentally sustainable business practices.
2. An implementation strategy in relation to Extended Producer Responsibility regulation that works with industry to ensure a common-sense approach to execution e.g. utilising digital labelling etc.

With the election two weeks away, the Council is continuing its cross-party work advocating on behalf of the industry and engaging policy makers on the challenges and opportunities surfacing in beauty. 

Now that the deadline for voter registration has passed it’s time for you to learn more about the different commitments made by each party. The best way to do this is by reading the party manifestos: 

• Conservative 
• Green Party
• Labour
• Liberal Democrats
• Reform UK