Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Business Rates: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

Jessica Toale Excerpts
Monday 19th January 2026

(1 day, 13 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Dan Tomlinson Portrait Dan Tomlinson
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I am glad that the hon. Member was able to ask the exact same question as the shadow Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Central Devon (Sir Mel Stride). I am not going to comment on the policymaking process in the run-up to the Budget.

Jessica Toale Portrait Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) (Lab)
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Most fair-minded businesses recognise that covid-era subsidies could not last for ever, yet many in hospitality, including in my constituency, are worried about what bill will come through for their rates in April. Can the Minister reassure those businesses and outline what transitional support we are putting in place in the short term and how we are reforming rates in the long term?

Dan Tomlinson Portrait Dan Tomlinson
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I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for her continued representation for the small businesses in her Bournemouth constituency, where I know there is a vibrant and growing hospitality and leisure sector. We have implemented reforms to the system to rebalance business rates away from the high street and towards the online giants. I look forward to continuing to engage with her and other Members of Parliament on business rates, other issues and other steps that this Government can take to continue to support the high street and businesses in her constituency.