Overview

• The Co-op’s estimate comes from an Opinion Matters survey in which 12.8% of small high-street owners said they would face closure without reform, equating to 61,896 shops in England.
• The retailer warns 100,000 to 200,000 jobs could be threatened, with 18.9% of businesses saying they may need to cut staff or risk shutting.
• The government has proposed permanent business rates relief for small retail properties, and the Co-op urges the Budget to set support at the maximum level.
• Polling cited by the Co-op finds 69% of UK adults lack confidence that ministers will deliver on relief for small firms.
• The Association of Convenience Stores says convenience store rates bills rose by over £100 million in the past year and calls for a meaningful long-term cut to enable investment and certainty.