The Association of Town & City Management has long-called for reform of the UK business rates system. Despite some limited progress, the system remains unstable and unsustainable for high street businesses.
The Treasury has published a call for evidence in the paper ‘Business Rates and Investment’. While this is geared toward understanding how business rates impact the investment decisions of the largest ratepayers such as providers of infrastructure, ATCM believes there is an opportunity to collectively demonstrate how unsustainable the rates system is for all high street businesses, and is seeking to highlight the real impact of the 2026 revaluation on the high street.
How you can help shape reform
BID members are encouraged to share feedback on how the 2026 revaluation affects their business. This information will help ATCM provide a stronger, evidence-based case to government.
Businesses’ responses should include:
- A brief description of the business (sector, size, etc.)
- How the 2026 revaluation will change the amount paid in business rates from April 2026
- How this affects investment decisions (e.g. staffing, opening hours, expansion, closures, equipment)
Feedback should be sent to Harrie Notton (harrie@wearewaterloo.co.uk) by 10th February.
