UK retailers press John Healey to ease tax burden

British retail and hospitality representatives discussed taxes and youth employment with Chancellor John Healey on Oct. 13. He did not announce specific measures for the forthcoming Budget at the meeting, City AM reported.

Participants included representatives of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Co-op, alongside industry bodies. The meeting took place in Downing Street ahead of budget decisions.

British Retail Consortium chief Helen Dickinson urged the government to reverse rising costs. She estimated that retailers’ taxes had increased 20% in two years, with an additional £6.5 billion in employment costs. Those are the industry representative’s figures.

Participants also opposed increasing business rates on large stores to fund reductions for smaller businesses.

UKHospitality chief Allen Simpson linked a lower tax burden to the sector’s ability to hire young people outside employment and education. Trade publication The Caterer also confirmed UKHospitality’s participation.

The companies’ appeals do not mean the government has agreed tax changes. Specific policies will be known once the relevant decisions are announced.