The British Retail Consortium has announced that it is to investigate retail taxation - as B&Q's boss highlights the disparity in taxes paid by bricks-and-mortar and online retailers.
The BRC says it is to embark on a programme of work that will "look at the relationship between the fast-developing retail landscape and the tax regime - now and for the future", says director general Helen Dickinson.
"The reality is that retail is a people and property intensive sector and, while the reduction in headline Corporation Tax is valuable, other taxes on both people and property have continued to rise.
"This is an ongoing discussion and it's important to consider carefully how the tax system can best meet the interests of consumers, economic growth, stability and the retail sector as a whole over the longer term."
The BRC's study will include setting up a round-table group made up of members from all parts of the retail sector.
Meanwhile, Ian Cheshire, chief executive of B&Q owner Kingfisher, has told The Sun that it is unfair that physical retailers face crippling rents and rates while online players pay virtually nothing.
"The increase in rent and rates is squeezing the high street, forcing the shuttering of shops and leading to higher vacancy rates," he said. "For each £1 of sales, the online guys pay a lot less tax and we need a strategic rethink...We're not looking for a free pass, but a level playing field."
The Sun suggests that one proposal could be a transaction tax on both bricks-and-mortar and online retailers.
B&Q is putting together a working group to address the issue.