Speaking ahead of the draft outline Budget being
presented to the Welsh Parliament tomorrow, Head of the Welsh
Retail Consortium, Sara Jones, said:
“With footfall
down across Welsh high streets and consumer confidence still
fragile, this budget is a vital opportunity to show genuine
support for both shoppers and stores.
“Retailers are working tirelessly to offer value to customers,
yet they've faced an unprecedented surge in government-imposed
costs throughout 2025 — from higher National Insurance and the
National Living Wage to the new packaging tax — creating £320
million of additional pressure on Welsh retailers alone.
“While many key levers rest with the UK Government, the Welsh
Finance Minister can still make a real difference by delivering a
meaningful cut in business rates — ensuring no shop ends up
paying more. Current proposals risk creating winners and losers,
with a welcome reduction in rates for small stores but with
medium sized and large stores — the backbone of many high streets
— facing a surtax and sharp increases that could deter investment
and further impact employment and prices.
“If Government chooses instead to pile on further costs to
retailers, it's households that will feel the squeeze at the
tills. Ruling out any rise in the Welsh Rate of Income Tax,
guaranteeing no store pays more in business rates, and pausing
heavy-handed regulatory plans must all feature in this year's
budget to give the industry the boost it so urgently needs.”
