Almost nine in ten people want the UK government to prioritise reducing the cost of living in this month's Budget, according to new research commissioned by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

A survey by Opinium found that 89 per cent of UK adults want action to lower living costs, while 83 per cent said tackling youth unemployment should be a priority. Some three quarters also want measures to improve Britain's high streets.

The BRC said the findings show that the public, retailers and government share common priorities around keeping prices down, creating jobs and supporting local communities.

The trade body argued that retailers play a key role in delivering these goals through investment in jobs, training, stores and technology, but warned that rising employment costs and business taxes are limiting investment.

According to the BRC, the retail sector will pay £41 billion in business taxes during 2026/27, a 20 per cent increase over two years. During the same period, the industry has lost 122,000 jobs and one in seven high street properties has become vacant.

Ahead of the Budget, the BRC called on the Chancellor to raise the employer National Insurance threshold from £5,000 to £6,000, freeze the inflation-linked increase in business rates and remove retail properties from the high-value business rates multiplier.

The organisation said these measures would allow retailers to invest more in staff, technology and stores while helping to reduce pressure on consumer prices.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said that the public, retailers and Government all want the same things: lower pressure on household budgets, more opportunities for young people, thriving high streets, and a more productive economy.

The Budget should be a chance to deliver on those shared priorities, she said.

“Retail supports 2.8 million direct jobs and a further 2.7 [million] across the economy, reaching every community in the country, so when retailers invest, families and communities feel the benefit through jobs, better high streets and lower inflation,” Dickinson added.

“But after two Budgets that pushed up costs, jobs and prices are increasingly under pressure. The choice is clear: ease the burden on retail and unlock investment in the things people care about.”

These statements echo calls from the BRC made in September, July and May.

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