High Street shops and cafes set for business rate reprieve amid increase to national insurance and minimum wage
But the move fell short of wholesale revision of business rates called for by one West Midlands high street regeneration specialist, who said increases to national insurance contributions and national minimum wage could also have a significant impact on retail businesses in the region. "So for the ones who remained and opened up, and there are still new businesses opening up, there is still a degree of bounce back and buoyancy.
"I think the people who are really affected are hospitality businesses, they seem to have a heftier payment, and we do still want to see our cafes, restaurants and pubs in the High Street. I know UK Hospitality has been lobbying the government about this and I'd really like to see some movement and wholesale revision of business rates."