Will Rachel Reeves kill off the corner shop? Convenience stores warn Budget taxes, red tape and smoking ban could be 'another nail in coffin'
A majority of corner shops are fearful about next week's Budget with retailers warning Rachel Reeves not to put 'another nail in the coffin' with further tax rises.
A survey of England's convenience stores found three-quarters (74 per cent) were concerned about the Budget, with one in five (22 per cent) very concerned.
The research revealed that retailers are already struggling as they face soaring rents, higher energy bills, wage inflation and punishing business rates.
More than half (55 per cent) said they were concerned about their turnover in the coming year.
Industry figures said they had 'lost confidence' in the Government and warned many retailers 'simply won't survive' being hit by more red tape or costs.
The polling, conducted by Merlin Strategies on behald of retailer group C-Talk, found two-thirds (67 per cent) of retailers said Labour's policies had made their lives harder.
Three-quarters (74 per cent) were worried about further rises to National Insurance, after Ms Reeves, the Chancellor, hiked the rate for employers at her Budget last year.
Retailers also raised concerns that Labour's proposed smoking ban - included in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill - would impose more administrative and financial burdens.
A majority of corner shops are fearful about next week's Budget with retailers warning Chancellor Rachel Reeves not to put 'another nail in the coffin' with further tax rises
A third of retailers (35 per cent) said their store is mostly reliant on sales of tobacco and vapes.
Paul Cheema, founder of C-Talk said: 'This Government says it wants to back small business, but every new policy seems to do the opposite.
'We've lost confidence and it's clear that we are not a priority for the Government.
'They are not listening to our concerns – all we get is more red tape, more costs, and more hassle.
'If this carries on, many retailers simply won't survive. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is such a clear example.
'We all want to help reduce smoking, no one's arguing with that, but this Bill isn't the way to do it.
'Instead of helping smokers and going after the cowboys selling dodgy products the Government is making life harder for the honest shops that already follow the rules and driving people to worse products.
'Ministers need to wake up and realise that small retailers are already stretched to breaking point. We're not asking for special treatment, just a bit of common sense.'
Merlin Strategies surveyed 500 corner shop owners in England between 30 September and 5 October.
