Each English bookshop faces £4,563 rates rise by 2029–30 — 1,141 extra books sold just to cover it

Cebr analysis found independent bookshops in England not eligible for full small business rates relief face an average annual increase of £4,563 by 2029–30, with some bills doubling when transitional relief ends. The average shop would need to sell 1,141 extra books yearly to cover the cost. The Booksellers Association, backed by 234 shops and authors including Philip Pullman, wants the 20% rates cut given to pubs extended to bookshops. The Treasury says the sector already benefits from lower multipliers and a £4.3bn bill-limiting package.