Retailers have expressed disappointment at the Scottish and Welsh Budget announcements for lack of support for businesses, with the measures announced by each of the nations seeing rates bills increase for many businesses. 

While a freeze to Scotland’s rate multiplier was welcomed, it failed to match England’s 75% retailer rate relief. British Independent Retailers Association chief executive Andrew Goodacre said the gap creates an uneven playing field. 

Read more: Spring Budget 2023: retailer anger as rising costs and higher taxes pile on the pressure

Scotland also increased police spending, described as “a vital step” against retail crime by said the Scottish Grocers’ Federation. 

The Welsh Budget cut rates relief from 75% to 40%, resulting in a 25-year high, said the Welsh Retail Consortium. Unlike Scotland, Wales announced cuts to police budgets. 

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