Rates drain on retail

SIR – Your Leading Article (July 3) is incorrect in stating that online retailers have an advantage because they have no high street presence.

Online retailers have offices and distribution centres on which they have to pay business rates. They are also required to pay National Insurance, the apprenticeship levy and pension contributions on behalf of their employees. Their overhead costs are substantial.

What is iniquitous is the whole system of business rates. It is a drain on business which is not seen by the voting public. If people want to save their high streets, they should press for business rates to be abolished. Nigel Legg

Norwich