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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Birthday boy Jesurun gift-wraps points for the unbeaten Blades
JESURUN RAK-SAKYI struck twice on his 22nd birthday as unbeaten SHEFFIELD UNITED defeated LUTON 2-0 at home to move level on points with Championship leaders SUNDERLAND.
PALACE REIGN FOR KINGS OF THE ROAD
THE Slot machine paid out yet another jackpot as Liverpool dug deep for a priceless and gritty victory.
Punch & Judy next in line to be 'cancelled' fears veteran
HE'S been entertaining children and adults alike for six decades with his traditional Punch and Judy shows.
How Rick's traumatic childhood drove him to succeed
\"IT'S A desperately poignant way to sum up one's childhood. \"I remember being frightened all the time as a kid,\" recalls Rick. He traces the trauma to a grave tragedy in the family before he was even born.
Harry extends 'solo' trip without Meghan
PRINCE Harry has extended his solo trip abroad without wife Meghan, the Sunday Express has learned.
How Queen bagged her cheeky escapes
IN a lifetime of meeting the public, the late Queen famously used her handbag to secretly signal to her courtiers when she was ready to leave an event.
Trump's return to brush with death spot
A SECRET Service ring of steel surrounded Donald Trump last night as he prepared to hold a rally in the same spot where he was almost killed by an assassin three months ago.
Migrants perish as Cooper slams gangs
A TODDLER trampled to death in a small boat was among four migrants who died off the French coast yesterday.
‘Inspirational’ Kemi wins backing of US governor DeSantis
KEMI Badenoch's leadership bid has been endorsed by one of the US Republicans' most influential figures.
Leadership hopeful fired up by Reagan
JAMES Cleverly wants to bring the spirit of Ronald Reagan to the Tory Party as he enters a critical week in his bid to become leader, he tells the Sunday Express today.
