The letter argues that a permanent 20% reduction in business rates would create 10,000 jobs in the retail industry and its supply chain, in 50 of the constituencies most in need, according to Sky News.

According to a Whitehall source, the letter highlights the overlap between those constituencies with higher business rates and those which lack new investments.

Signatories of the letter, which was sent last week, include Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells, Morrisons chief executive David Potts, Tesco’s UK and Ireland boss Jason Tarry, Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman, Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis and British Independent Retailers Association chief executive Andrew Goodacre.