Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Financial Statement and Budget Report of 28 October 2026, how many of the 70,000 businesses which have been taken out of paying business rates altogether are (a) shops, (b) pubs, (c) restaurants, (d) gyms and (e) other businesses.

The government is taking around 70,000 more high street businesses out of business rates through an increase of the Small Business Rates Relief thresholds for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England from 1 April 2027.

This means half of all RHL properties approximately an additional 45,000 shops, 3,500 pubs, 3,900 restaurants, 600 gyms, 2,200 cafes and 1,700 hairdressers and beauty salons - will pay no business rates.

HM Treasury does not hold data on the additional beneficiaries split by local authority area.