RETAIL guru Mary Portas has called on the Government to rethink business rates and VAT to help ailing high street businesses.
The former adviser to David Cameron spoke out after a report on the future of independent retail found up to half of existing small stores could close unless they get ongoing assistance with energy bills and tax relief.
She said: "Put simply we could lose half of all shops.
"We need to look at the systems they are currently working under, because they are not fit for purpose for the future.
"So VAT, business rates, all of it needs to be looked at. We need to look at the bigger picture and how people want, and need to live, in the future for the good of themselves and the planet." The 62-year-old, dubbed the "Queen of Shops" during her TV career, was tasked by then PM Cameron with leading an independent review into the future of high streets in May 2010.
THE cost-of-living crisis may be biting, but a third of us are not prepared to give up life's little treats, suggests research, writes Jaymi McCann.
Denne historien er fra November 13, 2022-utgaven av Sunday Express.
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Denne historien er fra November 13, 2022-utgaven av Sunday Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Jam gesture just Kate being sweet
JAM WARS? Not quite. Much has been made of the Princess of Wales's offer to send her recipe for plum jam to young gardeners, in what many have interpreted as a \"snub\" to her sister-in-law in the States.
Explosive reminder of a nearby war...
THE SOUND of Russian strike drones buzzing through the sky and exploding nearby has become a regular part of life in Galati.
Springwatch Chris warns dog owners about seed hazard
SPRINGWATCH presenter Chris Packham has warned dog owners of the dangers of grass seeds as more people rewild their gardens.
TOP TIPS ON HOW TO GET YOUR TASTEBUDS TINGLING AGAIN
Simply being aware of how your sense of smell and taste change as you age can help you address any dysfunction, according to taste expert Barb Stuckey, author of Taste: What You're Missing: The Passionate Eater's Guide to Why Good Food Tastes Good.
How £20m investment was Quay to revival of historic fishing town
Prices in this North East seaside town climbed by an average 6.9% last year, from £231,533 in 2023 to £247,479.
Flower sales blossoming to celebrate Women's Day
A DAY celebrating women's achievements has become so popular it is now rivalling Mother's Day and Valentine's Day for flower giving.
Take pains from gains
MOST people don't give capital gains tax (CGT) much thought until they suddenly get hit by a bill when selling something.
Pole star Duplantis breaks record again
ARMAND DUPLANTIS broke the men's pole vault world record for an 11th time when he cleared 6.27m at the All Star Perche event in France.
Laurie's aiming for victory at a Canter
ENGLAND'S Laurie Canter shares the lead with home favourite Dylan Naidoo ahead of the final round of the South African Open after a marathon third day in Durban.
Lilywhites win Lancs hotpot in emphatic style
IT was shades of 1966 as Preston ended their 59-year wait to reach the FA Cup's last eight.
