Business rates are a tax on most non-domestic properties, including shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories.
The amount a business pays is based mainly on the property's rateable value rather than the business's sales or profits.
Frequently asked questions
What business rates are, why the current system is failing and what the Rethink the Rates campaign is trying to change.
Business rates are normally paid by the organisation or person occupying a non-domestic property.
Some smaller businesses receive relief, while certain properties and organisations may qualify for exemptions or reduced bills. However, many physical businesses still face significant fixed costs before making a sale.
The current system can penalise businesses that need physical premises, employ people locally and invest in their buildings.
A shop, pub or manufacturer can face a large bill regardless of whether it is profitable. Meanwhile, businesses that operate with fewer physical premises may carry a much smaller property-tax burden.
Rethink the Rates is calling for meaningful reform rather than making an unfunded promise.
The replacement or reformed system must still provide dependable revenue for local services, but it should be fairer, more predictable and less damaging to investment, jobs and growth.
We want a system that reduces the penalty on businesses that need physical premises and gives employers greater certainty when they invest or expand.
Prosper UK is gathering evidence from businesses, communities and experts before publishing a detailed policy proposal.
Rethink the Rates is a campaign supported by Prosper UK.
Prosper UK develops policy by listening to businesses, experts and people with direct experience rather than relying only on decisions made in Westminster.
Stories help us understand how the current system affects employers, investment decisions, jobs and local communities.
We may use selected stories in campaign materials, policy work or media activity. We will contact contributors before publishing information that requires further permission or clarification.
Yes. Business rates affect the shops, pubs, restaurants, services and employers that communities depend on.
You can back the campaign, tell us about your experience, use our business-support tools or write to your MP.
Use our Write to Your MP tool. Enter your postcode, find your current MP and open a ready-written message in your own email account.
You can edit the message and add your own local or business experience before sending it.
Help us fix business rates
Back the campaign and help build the case for a fairer system that supports local businesses, investment and jobs.