Bricks-and-mortar businesses – on high streets across the country – carry an unfair share of the business-rates burden, holding back the UK economy. The 2025 Autumn Budget confirmed that from 1 April 2026, further significant rate increases will fall on England’s physical businesses, with retail, hospitality and leisure facing the greatest pressure. The Government consulted on business rates reform but the consultation was launched before the Budget revealed the full impact on high street businesses and focuses on limited, short-term changes. It does not address the need for more fundamental reform.
The Heart of London Business Alliance has proposed a solution, a Hybrid Business Rate, which would rebalance an outdated system to match the changes in our modern economy. By ensuring digital operators contribute fairly, we ease the burden on businesses occupying physical sites, protecting jobs, strengthening high streets and driving national growth.
What action can you take?
Find out more about HOLBA’s proposal and write to your MP and HM Treasury. Below is a template – please send to and . Please include as much economic impact information as you can.
Subject: Business Rates Reform – from [insert business name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing about the urgent need for business rates reform.
I run / represent , a [type of business] based in [location]. Business rates are a significant and growing cost for us, and the current system is having a damaging impact on our ability to operate, invest and grow.
The recent consultation focused on relatively minor adjustments and did not address the underlying problems with the business rates system. Following the Autumn Budget, it is clear more fundamental reform is now needed, particularly to support high street businesses.
I would urge the Government to widen the scope of this consultation and consider more ambitious options for real business rates reform, to deliver a fairer, more sustainable system that reflects today’s economy and ensures a level playing field between high street and online businesses.
Yours faithfully,
[Name]
[Business name]
[Postcode / area]
