transactions

But the account remained in use and it was not until August 2022, after a row between the friends, that questions were raised over transactions from this account.

The chain said the number of breaches amounted to "less than 2% of transactions" across its property portfolio, which includes its supermarkets and funeral directors.

But sources close to SBC say despite an announcement of an intended takeover, and talk of possible funding from Bahrain, nothing has been signed and no transactions have been carried out.

Lawyer Mrs Ramsden said: "There's been a 40% drop in leasehold transactions because of problems with the act. It urgently needs to be looked at so we can make it work better for everybody."

Businesses could round prices up or down, and digital transactions could replace cash.