A leading retailers association has said the Chancellor's Spring Statement delivered today has failed to address the "perfect storm" of cost pressures facing independent retailers across the UK.

Despite prior calls for support on town centre investment, retail crime, and economic development, the Spring Statement made no specific provisions for the independent retail sector, which is facing unprecedented challenges including National Insurance increases, rising business rates, and increased wage costs.

Bira had previously outlined three key priorities for the Chancellor to address: continued investment for town centres and high streets; fully funded policing to address retail crime; and making economic development a statutory requirement for local authorities.

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