The debate, initiated by Rachael Maskell MP, will be on the motion: “That this House has considered a review of the business rates system.”

Commons Library briefings

Reviewing and reforming local government finance, 31 May 2018
This note covers matters of current interest in local government finance: how business rate retention works; the Government’s proposals for changes to the system; and the 2017-19 Fair Funding Review. The policies covered in this note have effect in England only.

Business rates: the 2017 revaluation, 31 May 2018
Briefing explaining the processes governing the 2017 business rates revaluation.

Business rates, 28 Apr 2017
A brief guide to the system of non-domestic rating, better known as ‘business rates’. Business rates are devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This note focuses on the operation of the business rates system in England. 
 

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

High streets and town centres in 2030 inquiry

The inquiry will examine the future role of the high street in contributing to the local economy and the health, cohesion and cultural life of the local community and the challenges faced amid changing demographic, technological and other trends in recent decades.

It will also look at how local areas are planning for the future of their high streets and town centres and creating the conditions to sustain them in the years ahead, as well as whether councils have the planning, licensing, tax raising and other tools needed to help local areas flourish.

Deadline for written submissions is Friday 22 June 2018.

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Sajid Javid announced on 11 April 2018 details of an independent review of the processes and procedures that underpin the MHCLG’s governance of the business rates system.

The review will be led by former Director General for Public Services at Her Majesty’s Treasury, Andrew Hudson.

Previous reviews

Business rates review: discussion paper, 16 Mar 2015

The government announced a review of business rates at Autumn Statement 2014. The terms of reference for the review and a discussion paper were launched at Budget 2015. This document provides a summary of responses to the review.

Business rates administration review: discussion paper, 10 Apr 2014

This discussion paper summarises how the business rates system in England works and opens up a discussion with stakeholders on longer-term administrative reform.