Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of business rates on rural high street businesses.

This question was answered on 30th October 2026
The Government is backing high streets with a package at Budget 2026 which means that all retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will see their business rates either frozen in real terms, reduced, or cut to zero. This is a key part of the Government's plan to provide breathing space needed for high street businesses across England to thrive.

Rural areas continue to benefit from Rural Rate Relief, which aims to ensure that key amenities are available and community assets protected in rural areas. It provides 100 per cent rate relief for properties that are based in eligible rural areas with populations below 3,000.