Costs could be increased in the coming months as the government proposes to introduce a Business Rate Supplement (2p per £1 of rateable value).
Director general at the BRC Stephen Robertson argued that if such increases are eventually seen then they might eventually filter through to consumers.
He said: “The government should accept it can best help customers by enabling retailers to keep prices down. With growing uncertainty about the rental property market since the April 2008 valuation date, it must look again at the basis of this revaluation.”
Moreover, some form of Empty Property Rates Relief must be introduced so that retailers are given a helping hand, he said.
Food and drink sales growth slowed down year-on-year during August, the BRC highlighted today.
