Some of the UK's top retailers are highlighting a potential increase in the Uniform Business Rate (UBR), which many retailers may be unaware of.
The proposed increase of 4.9% would come into effect in April and would take the rate to its highest level since 1992. Some of the country's largest retailing groups, including B&Q parent Kingfisher, which is one of the UK's top ten ratepayers, and the Ardacia group are requesting to meet with the Local Government Minister John Healey to protest abut its implementation.

Currently, retailers pay 46.2% - so a property with a rateable value of £10,000 would, in most cases be charged £4,620 before any applicable reductions. The proposed increase would take this to 48.5% - meaning multi-million pound bills for Britain's biggest, something the sector can ill afford in the current climate.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Kingfisher ceo Ian Cheshire, called the charges "completely inappropriate" and said it would ultimately lead to higher prices.