Helen Dickinson<\/strong>, Chief Executive of the BRC:
\n\u201cBritain\u2019s largest shops are magnets, pulling people into high streets \u2026 supporting thousands of surrounding caf\u00e9s, restaurants and smaller and independent shops.\u201d (brc.org.uk<\/a>)
\nShe warns: 400 more large stores could disappear<\/strong> if they’re put into the new high tax band \u2014 which would mean up to 100,000 job losses, emptier high streets, and less revenue for the Exchequer. (The Standard<\/a>)
\nHer ask: exclude<\/em> these large shops from the new surtax band and instead slightly raise the rate on other big non-retail properties (like large office blocks), where closing them would have less economic damage. (brc.org.uk<\/a>)
\nShe argues this could be done \u201cwithout cost to the Exchequer\u201d<\/strong> but would help secure the future of these 400 stores and the communities they support. (The Standard<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\nIndustry Concern<\/strong>:\n