Councils should look at raising rates on out of town retailers to help high streets, according to the Association of Convenience Stores.
The ACS told DIY Week that it was hoping to reduce business rates increases adding: "The government has said that councils can offer rate relief, but the councils can't afford it."

To help fund relief on town centre retailers, the association is proposing raising the rates on car parking space - a move that will inevitably hit the out-of-town sheds and supermarkets.
The ACS represents 33,500 local shops.