M&S and John Lewis CEOs warn Chancellor that business rates could choke high‑street shops

The chief executives of Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have sent a letter to the Chancellor urging a rethink of business rates. In the correspondence they argue that the tax burden is adding pressure on high‑street shops, likening the rising costs to a stack of unpaid invoices on a shop front.

Both CEOs warn that, if the rates remain unchanged, the strain could force retailers to look for ways to cut costs, potentially leading to store closures and a quieter high street.

The letter uses polite language but makes clear that the current situation is unsustainable for many high‑street merchants. It calls on the government to act before the pressure turns bustling shopping districts into empty storefronts.

To date the government has not responded, leaving the retailers to watch their rent receipts and await the Chancellor’s next move.