Policy & Influence
The Council’s policy work underpins each of its pillars, currently Investment, Innovation & Technology; Talent and Careers and Trade & Export. More widely, it is driven by the current – and pressing – issues facing the beauty and personal care industry.Â
This two-pronged approach ensures the Council is always advocating for all of the sectors that make up our vibrant and talented industry, enabling us to support sector-specific trade organisations.
Our vision for the Beauty and Personal Care Industry:Â
Key Policy Objectives for the Beauty Industry
The British Beauty Council has identified key policy areas* which could most significantly benefit the beauty and personal care industry and the 603,000 people it employs. Business support in these areas will most effectively deliver economic stability. Â
Tax and Spend
- Tax reform including a reassessment of VAT policy, specifically focussing on the current VAT threshold cliff-edge, which deters growth of micro-businesses.Â
- A re-evaluation of the significant increase in employer costs from the Autumn Budget 2024 and the unintended consequences such as lay-offs, employment freezes, forced self-employment, disguised employment and an increase in the underground economy.
- A wholesale review of business rates to create a tax system that’s fit for the 21st century.
- Targeted investment incentives that prioritise business reshoring and increase UK manufacturing and innovation, particularly in relation to sustainability.
- A commitment to review the classification of SPF30+ to an ‘essential’ rather than an ‘cosmetic’ item.
Trade and Regulation
- Recognition of the beauty industry as a creative industry and its role as a key growth partner within the Industrial Strategy.
- A closer and more positive working relationship with the EU in respect of trade and export policy.Â
- Greater support for the safeguarding of Intellectual Property for UK business innovation.
- The introduction of an internationally competitive, tax-free shopping scheme for international visitors.
- 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.
- A commitment to proceed with licensing regulation as secondary regulation under the Health & Care Act 2022 in the aesthetics sector.
Education and Growth
- Tax-deductible business training in new areas of business such as AI and sustainability.
- An updated education system via Skills England that works for a modern Britain, under the remit of the Department for Business and Trade to ensure the qualifications are fit-for-purpose for UK business.
- Better business alignment in the development of the Growth and Skills levy to build on and develop skills in the areas both large and small businesses need.
- The reintroduction of Child Benefit for families of under 18’s who undertake apprenticeships.
ESG
- Support and incentives for companies to implement carbon reducing, circular, nature positive and environmentally sustainable business practices.
- 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.
- 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.
Rishi Sunak ELLE interview
Chancellor Rishi Sunak praised the British beauty industry for being the best of British business and for providing an essential service throughout the pandemic as he opened British Beauty Week in London’s Covent Garden on Wednesday.
Paul Scully MP interview
During British Beauty Week 2021, we were joined by Paul Scully MP. In this video, he is interviewed by British Beauty Council Chief Policy Officer Victoria Brownlie.
British Beauty Council showcases the Value of Beauty to MPs at Houses of Parliament
Government confirms the scrapping of £200 shoplifting threshold at retail crime summit
Autumn Budget 2024: Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers first budget
What does the budget mean for beauty?
*The Council’s policy activity is subject to change and adaptation according to government activity and industry priorities.