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PM’s Plans to Revive High Street Are ‘Delusional’, Says Owner of York Designer Outlet
Mike Ashley said Burnham’s high-street agenda relies on media soundbites and warned that rising business rates and employment costs are hurting shops.
Billionaire businessman Mike Ashley criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's high-street plans as "delusional," arguing they will not help revive British shops.
The Prime Minister has focused on "Reviving Britain" by pledging to cut business rates for pubs and giving councils powers to block betting shops.
Ashley warned that shops will be "further devastated" unless business rates are cut, estimating store theft costs The Frasers around 40 million a year.
In his letter to Labour, Ashley argued "rather than address the real underlying issues," the Prime Minister relies on regulation instead of tackling job losses.
While Ashley welcomed comments on business rates in the next Budget, he warned it was "too little, too late," calling for systemic changes across Britain.