Recommendation 114

We received a wide range of suggestions for reforming the business rates system. This included introducing a dedicated hospitality sector multiplier, 230 extending relief and removing the cap on access to reliefs, 231 extending empty rates relief, 232 a reduction in all baseline rates, 233 and altering valuation processes to give a better reflection of profitability or turnover. 234 Overall, witnesses were consistent in their views that the current approach to business rates was causing challenges for retailers on high streets and favouring out-of-town retail parks, but there was little consensus on a solution to these concerns or how these changes would interact with the role business rates play in funding local authorities.