Calls to cut Vat and retailer rates

Retailers need reductions in Vat, transport taxes, and commercial rates to survive near stagnant consumer spending, say the sector’s representatives.

While the CSO’s latest retail index shows sales rising 0.4% in August, overall sales are 0.6% down year-on-year, the eighth consecutive year of annualised falls.

Sales are down 2% on average year-on-year in January to August.