Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to maintain small business rate relief from 2026-27.

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) provides 100% rate relief for eligible properties with rateable values below £12,000 with tapered relief available for eligible properties with rateable values between £12,000 and £15,000. Further details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/small-business-rate-relief

The government has no plans to withdraw SBRR. The discussion paper on business rates, published at Autumn Budget 2024, invites views on how it might best create a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

The discussion paper invites views on incentivising investment and growth and specifically invites views on potential ways in which SBRR might be improved. The discussion paper is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/675197b95692dd4c0c8d1dac/Transforming_Business_Rates__2_.pdf

Any decisions on future tax policy will be announced by the Chancellor at a fiscal event.