When shops go bust everyone ends up poorer

SIR – Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, has refused to contemplate a tax overhaul to help struggling high street retailers (report, July 6). He should bear in mind that bust businesses don’t pay any corporation tax, empty shops pay no business rates and unemployed people no income tax. Angus Long

Newcastle upon Tyne

SIR – How right Terence Lillicrap is (Letters, July 5) about the lack of chairs in shops.

I would buy more and visit more often if a seat was readily available. I have spoken to Tesco and Marks & Spencer stores about this but got nowhere. However, my local post office has provided a seat. Well done to the small retailer. Martin Crook

Ipswich, Suffolk

SIR – To encourage shoppers not only to visit high street shops but to linger there, councils should instigate free parking in town centres and recoup the money by charging for parking at out-of-town shopping venues. Judy Hine

Sibford Gower, Oxfordshire