BRC lobbies chancellor over commercial property costs

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called on chancellor Alistair Darling to reduce price pressures on retailers in his pre-budget report.

Among its submission, entitled Six Strategies for Success, the BRC urges the government to act to restore economic stability, reduce price pressures and increase consumer confidence.

It wants to see the re-introduction of empty property relief, a review of the tax treatment of unfair lease conditions and no extension of local tax raising powers.

Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said it is "vital" that the government acts.

"Retailers are being hit by a double-whammy of a deepening economic slowdown and a range of higher property costs," he added.

"The government should alleviate the increase in retail property costs by bringing back empty property rate relief and allowing retailers tax relief on the large exit fees they pay when surrendering leases early."

The BRC aims to create a sustainable retail future through campaigning to promote and defend retailers' interests and advising them of threats and opportunities.

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