Overview

• More than 60 chains including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis and Boots wrote to the Chancellor warning they cannot absorb further tax increases without raising prices.
• The British Retail Consortium says changes to employer national insurance, higher wage costs and a new packaging levy have added about £7 billion to sector costs this year.
• Retailers object to a proposed business-rates overhaul that would raise charges on large stores to fund permanent discounts for smaller shops, warning of reduced investment and job losses.
• Official data show July inflation at 3.8% with grocery prices up 4.9%, and the BRC forecasts food inflation could reach 6% later this year.
• The Treasury defended its record as pro-business, citing job creation and recent trade deals, while retailers seek assurances that no shop will pay more under rates changes.