Rishi Sunak was slammed for doing little for the long-term future of high streets.
Shop bosses condemned a “missed opportunity” to reform business rates and rein in internet giants such as Amazon.
Instead, the Chancellor froze a planned rise in rates next April and announced a one-year rates discount of up to 50%.
Helen Dickinson, head of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The Chancellor spoke of a new age of optimism.
“But retailers will struggle to share his confidence after a Budget that does not do enough to reduce the burden of costs bearing down on our shops, high streets and communities.”
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Vivienne King, chair of the Shopkeepers’ Campaign, added: “The Chancellor has betrayed the high street. We should expect more retail bankruptcies and job losses.”
Andrew Goodacre, chief of the British Independent Retailers Association, said shops were facing inflation-busting rises in pay, energy and supply chain costs.
Surinder Josan, owner of All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, West Midlands, added the rates discount would still mean it paying more than now due to relief provided during the Covid crisis.
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Mr Sunak put off a decision on whether to introduce an online sales tax but the Treasury did say the results of consultation would be published shortly.
CBI boss Tony Danker said: “The Chancellor has shown a willingness to listen to business with measures that will get firms innovating and help the economy to grow.
“But isn’t bold enough to deliver the high-investment, high-productivity economy the Government seeks.”
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Institute of Director chief economist Kitty Ussher said: “Business rates and research and development tax credit reforms are welcome but with hikes in other taxation on the horizon, that may not be enough to convince business leaders to press on plans for growth.”
No10 has already announced a rise in corporation tax and national insurance.
Mr Sunak has also been criticised for cutting the surcharge tax on bank profits from 8% to 3%.
Simon Youel, of the group Positive Money, said with ordinary workers facing a cost of living crisis, “cutting taxes for bankers is a worrying sign” of the Tories’ priorities.
