And 15% said an increase would force them to close shops, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed following a survey of its members.
Retail Week and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have joined forces to lobby Government to freeze business rates with the Fair Rates for Retail campaign.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance is also supporting the campaign to help retailers lobby their MPs on the issue with a website, www.freezebusinessrates.org, which enables people to send a campaign letter.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “I urge MPs of all parties to encourage the Chancellor to recognise that retail has already paid more than its fair share in recent years and to freeze business rates in 2013.”
TaxPayers’ Alliance chief executive Matthew Sinclair added: “Freezing business rates would be a great way of letting firms grow, prosper and create new jobs.
“High taxes are getting in the way of economic growth and a freeze is a reasonable proposal to help companies fighting their way out of the recession. Hopefully direct pressure from their constituents will encourage MPs to back action for lower rates.”
For more information visit The British Retailers Consortium
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