Why UK high street retailers want urgent reform of business rates

Lobby groups say way rates are calculated and paid hurting most those it aims to help most

When the Palmers department store in Great Yarmouth closes at the end of next week it will be a sad end to the story of one of the country's oldest retail businesses.

Part of the collapsed Beales chain, Palmers has been a familiar sight in the seaside resort since 1837 when Garwood Burton Palmer opened a drapery shop.

High street closures in 2019

Related: UK's business rates system 'broken' says Treasury committee