Kirstie Allsopp has called for a "rethink" to a controversial tax on shop units known as business rates in order to help local shops and protect the variety of Britain's high streets.
Speaking to the Huffington Post UK, the TV property expert said they should be reformed to "level out the playing field" between small shops and big retailers, who can better handle the tax, which is set to rake in £7 billion this year.
"It'd be great if there was an alternation to business rates and there was a bit more balance. There should be a rethink."
Business rates are due to go up by a further 3.2% in April, adding a further £240 million to retailers' operating costs. Allsopp's call to reform the tax comes after ex-Dragon Theo Paphitis branded them "no longer fit for purpose".