Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which representative bodies she intends to meet to hold preparatory discussions with on proposals to reform the business rates system in the 2026-2027 financial year.

HM Treasury releases a quarterly record of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations. This can be found online: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

At the Autumn Budget, the Government published the Transforming Business Rates Discussion Paper, which sets out priority areas for reform. This paper invited stakeholders to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.

On 17 February the Government published a ‘forward look’ of the expected timeline for reforms announced at Autumn Budget 2024, and how stakeholders should engage the Government. This will be updated when further information is available.

In the summer, the Government will publish an interim report that sets out a clear direction of travel for the business rates system, with further policy detail to follow at Autumn Budget 2025.