The British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose members generate 70 per cent of the UK’s annual retail turnover, has called on the Government to freeze business rates in this year’s Autumn Statement.

In a letter, the BRC said further rate hikes would increase the bill of every rate payer in the country and “divert £270 million of retail investment from delivering for consumers and away from local investment”.

It forms just one of a series of “targeted measures” the Treasury can implement to support the retail industry, it said.

These include freezing business rates, keeping the cost of living down for consumers by not increasing income tax rates, increasing the personal allowance, providing additional flexibility in how apprenticeship levy funds can be spent, and improving basic digital literacy skills of the UK workforce.

It has also called on the Government to ensure that business does not face “double regulatory charges” or new financial burden after leaving the European Union.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: “At a time of uncertainty for both the economy and the country, it’s important we set ourselves up for success.

“The cumulative burden of Government imposed costs has become acute. Indeed, September’s inflation figures mean retailers are faced with a £270 million leap in their business rate tax bills alone next spring. With retailers’ margins being squeezed to their limit, this is money that could be better spent investing in keeping prices low for consumers, in local communities up and down the country and in developing a workforce which is fit for the future.”