Exclusive: British Chambers of Commerce president calls for overhaul of business rates and greater powers for local leaders How Middleton’s revival could inspire struggling towns What makes a good town? Here are five key ingredients Andy Burnham has been urged by one of his most senior former advisers to tax internet sales more heavily than in-store purchases to help “level the playing field” for struggling high streets. As the prime minister and his chancellor, John Healey, prepare for their first budget next week, Andy Haldane joined calls for action to stop more shops closing across the UK. Continue reading...
Tax online sales more heavily to save high streets, Burnham urged

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Barclays cuts 5,000 jobs as profits jump ahead of looming bank tax; French bond yields hit fresh 24-year high – business live
Oil prices rise to five-month high amid Houthi attacks You be the chancellor: play our budget game to see if you can balance the books Maritime and port workers: how is the Middle East conflict affecting you? The French 10-year government bond yield has risen above the equivalent US Treasury yield for the first time since 2013. The French yield, or interest rate, jumped 10 basis points to 5.09% this morning, while the 10-year US Treasury yield fell 4bps to 5.07%. I am disappointed and you can be sure this will get my attention. Continue reading...

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