Overview

• The Co-op published new polling suggesting one in eight small high-street shops could face closure and 10% may cut staff without stronger relief, using Opinion Matters survey data extrapolated to national business counts.
• HM Treasury says it will set permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure from April 2026 funded by a higher rate on fewer than 1% of the most valuable properties, with final details due in the Autumn Budget.
• Officials are weighing a shift from a single 'slab' multiplier to a 'slice-based' marginal system to smooth sharp tax jumps when small firms expand to additional sites.
• Large chains have warned about higher bills for big stores, with a letter from retailers including Morrisons, Aldi and JD Sports cautioning of cost pressures and BRC analysis suggesting up to 400 large-format closures under the changes.
• Public and owner sentiment is driving urgency, with YouGov finding seven in ten adults lack confidence relief will arrive and the Association of Convenience Stores reporting a £100m rates increase for convenience stores and urging a permanently lower multiplier.