High street 'at risk without business rates reform'

SOME 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs are at risk if there is no business rates reform in her Budget next month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned.

- By Katie Harris

One in eight small high street business owners are at risk of closure if changes are not delivered, and 10% said they would be forced to lay off staff, according to research by Opinion Matters.

A temporary 40% relief, down from a previous 75% discount, for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England is due to expire next April.