Try GOLD - Free
Why are Sainsbury’s and Tesco calling on Reeves to make a fresh U-turn on tax?
The Independent
|July 21, 2025
Rachel Reeves is facing a fresh rebellion, but this time, the opposition is coming from Britain’s biggest supermarkets, not the Labour back benches.
Tesco and Sainsbury’s have joined forces with pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to warn the chancellor against a planned £1.7bn tax raid on the industry.
The Independent looks at what the businesses are worried about, and whether their warnings are likely to be heeded.
What is the tax raid?
The grocery giants’ intervention focuses on the chancellor’s plans to overhaul the business rates system. Changes outlined by Ms Reeves in her Budget last October will lead to higher payments for department stores, big supermarkets and other businesses with larger sites.
This story is from the July 21, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
'I always knew that she wasn't my sister Madeleine'
Amelie McCann gives evidence in trial of alleged stalker
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
'Finally, a good morning'
Joy was widespread in both Gaza and Israel as Trump's deal was agreed - but caution around the fragile peace remains
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
Former civil servants find PM's China take 'puzzling'
Ex-national security adviser says superpower always a theat
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
Benefit loans trap 500,000 children in cycle of poverty
Families borrow cash as they wait weeks for first payment
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
Starmer says he raised issue of Russian oil with Modi
Sir Keir Starmer directly raised the issue of India buying Russian oil when he met Narendra Modi during his trade mission to India, the prime minister has said.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
Millions face jump in water bills after watchdog's ruling
Millions of households face higher water bills after five utility companies were provisionally granted permission to increase charges beyond initial regulatory limits.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Independent
WINDOW SHOPPING
Samuel Mathewson on the top men's advent calendars
4 mins
October 09, 2025
The Independent
Badenoch ready for a scrap to free up housing market
Kemi Badenoch has vowed to abolish stamp duty if the Conservatives win the next election, as she unveiled a raft of tax cuts in a bid to claw back voters and boost the party's ratings.
4 mins
October 09, 2025
The Independent
Man who blew £1.5m on football wagers sues Betfair
A multimillionaire “problem gambler” who blew nearly £1.5m on football wagers is suing Betfair for his money back in a landmark case, claiming it was under a duty to protect him from himself.
5 mins
October 09, 2025
The Independent
Why collapse of China spy case led to a political row
A major prosecution against two British men accused of spying for China has collapsed in a heap of ignominy and recrimination.
2 mins
October 09, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size