UK supermarket giants join up to warn business rates rise could push up costs

Members of the British Retail Consortium, including representatives of all the major supermarkets, have written to the chancellor - (Getty/iStock)

Britain's major supermarkets are pressing the chancellor to exempt them from a new business rates surtax, warning consumers will ultimately face higher prices.

A letter from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to Rachel Reeves argues that limiting the tax burden on grocers is vital for tackling food inflation. It has been signed by UK executives and directors from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda, Iceland, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, and Waitrose.