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I am sure that many readers will agree that the prospect of lower rates within a mayor system is highly unlikely, indeed it is much more likely that the ridiculous rates system charge will increase. From 50 stores I have less than 20% of those units that pay less than 40% of the rent the rest are more than 45% with some now more than 50% . Add this to the ever increasing outrageous service charge levied by shopping centres I am currently paying almost 78% of the rent for each store where I now have to pay significantly increased wages and pensions.
As an industry we seem to be toothless to stop the pen pushers raid on our hard earned profits, certainly the authorities earn significantly more from my business than I do. Time for all retailers to come together with an aggressive agenda to stop the government, local authorities and greedy landlords from destroying our industry . Without stores there will be no free income .