Business Rates: Tax Allowances
The question
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the written statement of 23 July 2026, HLWS301, on Business Rates Relief for Pubs, Clubs and Live Music Venues, what are the tests that will apply to quantify whether a business makes a positive contribution to a local community, and whether they will also include high street or town centre (a) betting shops, (b) licensed late-night fast food outlets, (c) licensed sexual entertainment establishments, (d) Harry Potter-themed merchandise stores, (e) American-style candy stores, (f) adult gaming centres and (g) casinos.
Answered by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
This Government is determined to revive our high streets and ensure they are vibrant places to visit. However, there are properties on our high streets that benefit from reduced business rates, but do not have a positive impact on the community, such as vape shops.
The Government is looking at how to tackle these harms and further detail will be set out at the Budget, following careful consideration of the impact of different policy options on different types of businesses.
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