Rachel Buchanan, co-owner of Elderwood Books in Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, said she was currently challenging the business rate valuation of her premises.

She said her current rate was more than £18,000, but if her challenge was successful, her business would be below that figure, which would be a "relief".

"We're in an area subject to flooding. Tourists come or don't come, so if we have a quiet week in the winter, those business rates still have to be paid," she added.

"Having a much lower, or preferably zero, bill would make a massive difference."

She said a reduction in VAT was a "lovely dream" but she did not expect that to be included in the Budget, which she described as "tinkering around the edges".

"I didn't expect any big changes," she continued, "and here we are back to being reliant on ourselves and making sure we have customers coming through the door to pay those bills."