Major UK retailers, including Asda, Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Tesco, warn Prime Minister Andy Burnham that a renewed “budget tax raid” on business could undermine his cost of living agenda and affect the viability of some stores.
The retailers say higher business rates would raise operating costs for shops and could have knock-on effects for pricing and employment. They argue that using taxes on retail to fund measures aimed at lowering bills for services such as pubs and music venues would shift costs onto consumers.
Across outlets, the central point is consistent: the retailers jointly oppose the prospect of increased business rates as part of budget or funding plans associated with Burnham. While the reporting differs in wording—some describe a “business rates raid” or “budget tax raid”—the concern is the same: a higher tax burden on retail businesses.
