High Streets Strategy: Business Rates

Lord Cromwell Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

I can only reiterate what was in the Budget: pubs and venues have 20% off, other rates are frozen in real terms and, most specifically, 70,000 high street venues will now no longer be liable for rates. That is a very substantial incentive, I hope, for the rebuilding of high streets, together with the wider high streets strategy.

[Lord Cromwell (CB)]

The Minister recognises that this is an evolving situation. I am sure he also recognises that many start-ups, which he referred to earlier, start in residential properties. Is he aware that, increasingly, clauses are being inserted into residential tenancies precluding the starting of a business or making the tenant liable for any rates which arise should the business be discovered by the council?

[Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab)]

I say to the noble Lord that, if there are specific instances where he feels that this is problematic, I would be more than happy to address those and see whether something can be taken forward. Of course, it would be something pretty fundamental, because this is about the agreement between the tenants and the landlord, but we would want such an agreement to be focused on the reviving of our high streets.