Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by James Murray (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Business Rates

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to reduce business rates on (a) butchers, (b) bakers and (c) bookshops.

Answer

The Government has introduced new permanent lower multipliers for eligible Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties. These provide nearly £1 billion per year of support to the RHL sector and benefit over 750,000 properties, replacing temporary reliefs that were in place during and after the pandemic and providing businesses with greater certainty and stability.

Full details of eligibility for the new multipliers are set out in the relevant statutory instrument (SI), which can be found online here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/1093/contents/made with guidance to support in interpreting the SI found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/business-rates-multipliers-qualifying-retail-hospitality-or-leisure. The Government expects the vast majority of eligible retail properties to benefit from the new RHL multipliers.

The Chancellor announces decisions on tax policy at fiscal events. Any future changes to business rates, including for specific sectors or property types, would be considered as part of that process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 26176
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Business rates Meat Bookshops Bakeries
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Business Rates

Secondary information

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