Healey summons retail and hospitality CEOs for pre‑budget talks amid rates‑raid fears

Chancellor Rishi Healey has invited the CEOs of the United Kingdom’s largest high‑street retailers and hospitality groups to a pre‑budget briefing.

The meeting is intended to give the Treasury a chance to hear directly from the sector before the budget is finalised, amid concerns that the next budget could unleash a fresh business‑rates raid.

Representatives from flagship department stores to major pub chains were asked to attend, reflecting the breadth of the high‑street economy that could be affected by any changes to business‑rates policy.

Healey stressed that the discussion would be a "friendly conversation" aimed at understanding the challenges facing the sector and exploring ways to mitigate any adverse impact from the budget.

The CEOs, accustomed to negotiating with suppliers, will now be discussing their concerns with the Treasury, hoping to shape a budget that avoids adding further strain to an already pressured high‑street landscape.