Asda gives support to anti-tax campaign

Prior to April this year, office and retail venues were given 50% relief from these rates, while industrial spaces were totally exempt.

Head of communications and planning at Asda Jonathan Refoy said that this is an "ill-timed tax" on empty properties.

"Anything that the government can do to alleviate this added burden, and help us work with local communities to get through this difficult time, would be welcome," he said.

The BRC's director general Stephen Robertson added that the move by the government is "inexplicable" and that both large and small retailers are having to pay more for property when it is difficult for them to afford it.