10427 The Retailer Autumn 2018_Final Draft Pages

Company with 125% rise on (RV) post 2017 Revaluation see 42% rise in bills 2017/832% additional rise 2018/9

Reform won’t be easy. But the current system cannot continue. Retail is the UK’s largest private sector employer and makes up 5% of the economy- yet it pays nearly 25%of the business rates bill. Without a proper reform we could become a country of charity shops and empty units as marginally successful towns go into terminal decline. Let’s hope the Government finally takes note before this nightmare scenario becomes a reality!

JOHN WEBBER // John.Webber@colliers.com // colliers.com/en-gb/uk

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