Almost nine in ten Britons want the Government to prioritise easing the cost of living in this month’s Budget, as retailers warn rising taxes are putting further pressure on prices and jobs.

New polling by Opinium for the British Retail Consortium found that 89 per cent of UK adults want ministers to focus on bringing down living costs, while 83 per cent believe tackling youth unemployment should be a priority.

Reviving Britain’s struggling high streets also ranks highly, with 77 per cent calling for action to support town centres.

The findings come as the retail industry faces a £41bn business tax bill in 2026/27, a 20 per cent increase over the past two years.

During the same period, the sector has shed 122,000 jobs, while one in seven high street properties now stands empty.

The BRC warned that mounting employment costs and business taxes are restricting retailers’ ability to invest in stores, recruit staff and absorb price increases.

The trade body is urging the Chancellor to use the 28 October Budget to raise the employer National Insurance threshold from £5,000 to £6,000, freeze the inflation-linked increase in business rates and exempt shops from the high-value business rates multiplier.

It argues that reducing the tax burden would give retailers greater scope to keep prices competitive while investing in jobs and productivity.

The warning comes as nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, with the BRC arguing that retail could play a greater role in tackling youth unemployment if hiring costs were reduced.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “The public, retailers and Government all want the same things: lower pressure on household budgets, more opportunities for young people, thriving high streets and a more productive economy. The Budget should be a chance to deliver on those shared priorities.”

She added: “Retail supports 2.8 million direct jobs and a further 2.7 [million] across the economy, reaching every community in the country, so when retailers invest, families and communities feel the benefit through jobs, better high streets and lower inflation.

“But after two Budgets that pushed up costs, jobs and prices are increasingly under pressure.”

Dickinson urged ministers to reconsider the industry’s tax burden, adding: “The choice is clear: ease the burden on retail and unlock investment in the things people care about.”

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