BRC urges Chancellor to help retail sector

The British Retail Consortium has urged the Chancellor

to use the Budget to help the struggling retail sector by introducing measures to cut costs and re-build fragile consumer confidence.

The call follows an independent study commissioned by the BRC, which shows that retailers' operating costs have increased by a fifth since 2006 with centrally-driven costs rising the most rapidly.

In its submission to government ahead of next month's Budget, the BRC is proposing that the Chancellor introduces measures to help restore consumer confidence and cut business costs to support jobs and growth.

BRC director general Helen Dickinson said: "Retail is a major force for good. It's the UK's largest private sector jobs provider and has been a powerhouse for investment and growth, even during the relentlessly tough times of the last few years.

"There were welcome measures in the Autumn Statement and the Chancellor has it within his gift to do a great deal more. Our figures show dramatic increases in operating costs, often as a direct result of Government decisions.

The Chancellor has the opportunity to improve the business environment as a way of re-establishing and maximising retail's essential contribution to recovery. We're setting out priorities to help achieve that most effectively."