A closer look at “Andy Burnham Urged by Andy Haldane to Tax Online Sales More Heavily to Save High Streets”, exactly as the source publishes it. Andy Haldane, a former senior adviser to Andy Burnham and ex-Bank of England chief economist, has called for higher taxes on internet sales compared to in-store purchases to help struggling high streets. The proposal comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor John Healey prepare their first budget next week. Haldane, now president of the British Chambers of Commerce, argues that the current business rates system unfairly burdens physical retailers while online giants like Amazon pay proportionally less.
He also advocates for greater powers for local leaders to revitalise town centres. The call follows the closure of thousands of shops across the UK, with high streets facing competition from e-commerce. Haldane points to the revival of Middleton as a potential model, suggesting that targeted investment and local decision-making can turn around declining areas. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.