In an exclusive online poll conducted by Convenience Store in advance of Wednesday’s budget, and in an attempt to pinpoint what matters to independent retailers ahead of Rachel Reeves’ announcement, 50% of respondents said they felt the priority for the Chancellor should be maintaining the current state of business rates in the UK.
The retail business rates discount, which currently offers 75% relief to small independent retailers, is due to expire in March 2025. It is hoped that this can either be extended or even made permanent.
The second most popular response in our survey was a need to sort out the problem of empty stores on our high streets, which received 36% of the vote. Scoring slightly lower - but no less important in the fortunes of independent retailers - changes to national insurance were the third priority for those who completed the survey ranking 14% of the vote.
We will be reporting on Wednesday with all the headlines from the announcement.
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