Frasers said it supported trade body the BRC’s campaign for urgent action on rates and said the current approach undermines retailers who need relief most.

The BRC wrote to former chancellor Sajid Javid earlier this week outlining its demands, but Javid resigned yesterday after clashing with prime minister Boris Johnson and was replaced by Rishi Sunak. Javid’s departure from the government came just weeks before he was expected to unveil the Budget.