The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce critical reforms in the Autumn Budget to ease the mounting cost pressures on local shops.
According to ACS, rising business rates, National Living Wage increases, and changes to Employers' National Insurance Contributions will add £612m to sector costs this year alone, threatening jobs and investment.
Findings from the 2025 Local Shop Report show declining sales and shrinking investment across the convenience sector, highlighting the urgent need for support.
In its letter, ACS outlined measures including: lowering the Retail and Hospitality rate multiplier by 20p, raising thresholds for small business rate relief, extending investment relief from one to three years, and excluding CCTV systems from rate valuations.
ACS chief executive James Lowman warned that without action, shops face further strain in April when new revaluations kick in.
"We are calling on the chancellor to make clear that this government supports local shops and recognises their potential as engines of local growth," he said.
