Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many businesses occupying Network Rail properties due to be sold have received rent rises in excess of (a) 100 per cent, (b) 200 per cent, (c) 300 per cent and (d) 500 per cent in each of the last three years.

NR manages over 7,000 commercial properties. Since 2015-16 there have been on average around 2,450 rent changes per year. The vast majority of increases have been 0-5%. To obtain precise figures would however involve disproportionate cost.

Either the Landlord or tenant is able to refer rent changes to an independent Arbitrator (who is a surveyor) if there is a dispute – the Arbitrator can be agreed by the parties or appointed by RICS if the parties cannot agree.