A partnership of over 5,000 businesses across the UK is calling for the government to rewrite proposals to raise business rates for the largest properties.
High Streets UK says it would place a disproportionate burden on flagship stores and risk the viability of properties in areas like Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and London.
Under the proposals, properties with a rateable value of more than £500,000 will face a business rates multiplier higher than the current 10p from April 2026. This will pay for a business rates reduction through a lower multiplier for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value of under £500,000.
High Streets UK – a “pro-growth nationwide partnership” representing “over 5,000 businesses across the country” – wants any increase in the multiplier to be frozen until 2027 pending a “full impact assessment”.
The impact assessment should consider how a higher multiplier would affect job growth and future investment, according to the group.
It also wants an assurance that a portion of locally collected rates will be retained and ring-fenced for investment in the corresponding flagship high street area, “so those who pay the highest rates see a positive impact”.
Read more: Supermarkets already rethinking investment plans as business rates bill gets second reading
“Flagship high streets are the economic and social anchors of our cities – they create jobs, drive local and national growth, and serve as vital hubs for communities,” said High Streets UK chair Dee Corsi.
“Moreover, within a high street ecosystem, it is often the larger retail, leisure and hospitality units which drive footfall and spend in smaller neighbouring businesses. If you put these larger stores at risk, the impact will be felt across the entire high street.
“As a collective voice for these high streets, High Streets UK is calling on the government to take urgent action to safeguard their future, ensuring our city centres remain dynamic, competitive, and resilient.”
Founding members of High Streets UK are said to include business representatives from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
The group recently held its inaugural quarterly forum in Liverpool, with the government’s business rates proposals as its focus.
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