Recommendation 111

Businesses have been critical of the scale of rates, with the Shopkeepers ’ Campaign describing them as “unsustainably high”, 213 and RICS told us their members “consistently tell us that high levels of business rates are the number one barrier to the reoccupation of empty retail property”. 214 The scale of rates was particularly noted as prohibitive in comparison to the tax burden faced by online retailers. 215 There are currently 13 different types of business rates relief including a £4.3 billion package announced at the 2023 autumn statement for a five-year extension to the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief. 216 Beyond this, local authorities are able to offer discretionary rates relief schemes, but Artspace Lifespace noted that the schemes may be halted by councils owing to financial pressures. 217 These relief schemes were described by witnesses as “invaluable” 218 and “a critical lifeline”. 219