Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Government has made of the cost of exempting Post Office branches in England from business rates.

The Government recognises the vital role that post offices play in supporting local high streets and communities, including by helping to sustain local economic activity.

In recognition of the impact of the 2026 revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in bills.

The Government has already started the work of reforming our business rates system by introducing new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new multipliers provide nearly £1 billion per year of support and benefit over 750,000 properties.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.