The British Retail Consortium has today written to Chancellor Alistair Darling urging him to reduce retailers’ price pressures to restore consumer confidence.

The BRC has drawn up six strategies for the Government as the Chancellor begins drafting the pre-Budget report. They are: pushing down commercial property costs, encouraging employment, fuelling business efficiency, cutting basic household bills, help on housing and meeting children’s growing needs.

BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: “At this difficult time for retailers and family budgets, it's vital that the Government acts to restore economic stability.”

The strategy aims to push down commercial property costs by putting local tax raising powers on hold, such as Business Rate Supplements. The BRC also wants to see the re-introduction of empty property relief and an urgent review of large early-exit fees on leases.