Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

Tulip Siddiq Excerpts
Monday 19th January 2026

(1 day, 15 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Dan Tomlinson Portrait Dan Tomlinson
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The hon. Member is right that business rates policy is devolved. I am in conversation with the Governments in Scotland and Wales about a number of changes to taxation policy that were announced in the Budget, and I will of course be happy to continue those conversations. We need to ensure that we continue to support these vital businesses up and down the country, which is why the Chancellor set out the package of support at the Budget.

Tulip Siddiq Portrait Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Highgate) (Lab)
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Over 20,000 people, including the likes of James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch, have rallied around to try to save the local cafés on Hampstead Heath. I recently spoke to one of the owners, Alfonso, who brought home to me the importance of having local cafés that are affordable and accessible. As a fellow north London MP, is the Minister going to join the campaign to save the local cafés on Hampstead Heath? Will he reassure my constituents that protecting small businesses is at the heart of Government policy?

Dan Tomlinson Portrait Dan Tomlinson
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If I get time and the parking permits in Camden allow it, I do like to drive down and have a walk in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I have not yet been made aware of that campaign, but I look forward to talking more with her about it. On a personal level, I will do all I can to get my tea and coffee from those establishments.