Debenhams warns business rates change could spark Welsh shop closures

Debenhams may have to shut stores in Wales

Debenhams may have to shut branches in Wales unless the government changes its stance on business rates.

The Welsh government has changed its stance on rates relief. It had been offered to all businesses by chancellor Rishi Sunak, but in Wales the threshold for eligibility was changed in order to support small businesses, the BBC reported.

But Debenhams chair Mark Gifford warned that the decision jeopardises the future of branches in Cardiff, Llandudno, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham.

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