Monday newspaper round-up: Budget, Merlin Entertainments, Metro Bank
The chancellor is under pressure from industry groups to resist the temptation to fund coronavirus spending with tax hikes on business when he delivers the budget on Wednesday. The RAC said a majority of drivers wanted Rishi Sunak to freeze fuel duty for the 10th year following intense speculation that he plans to increase the duty on petrol and diesel by 2p a litre. – Guardian
The crisis on Britain’s high streets showed no sign of easing during the storm-buffeted month of February, while new figures show the number of retail workers losing their jobs this year is approaching 20,000. Severe rain last month caused a 7.8% fall in the number of people visiting high street stores in February, according to the retail research company Springboard, whereas there was only a 1.1% fall in the numbers at retail parks. – Guardian
City mayors have launched a power grab from Whitehall as they seek a boost from Boris Johnson’s pledge to “level up” the economy. The mayors of the West Midlands and Greater Manchester have called for more control of key policies such as taxes, welfare and transport in the UK’s second and third-largest cities. – Telegraph
Merlin Entertainments is expected to be given the go-ahead to start reopening some of its attractions in China closed as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The company was forced to shut its 12 Midway attractions in China, where the covid-19 virus originated, under instruction from local authorities. – The Times
More senior executives at Metro Bank have left as its new management seeks to revitalise the struggling lender. Last week Sandra di Vito, director of change and innovation, left and several senior members of the IT team also have gone.
There is a view inside the bank that the new leadership team wants to cut ties with the team and methods of Craig Donaldson, the previous chief executive, a source said. – The Times