Overview
- MPs voted 321–106 against a Conservative motion to abolish business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure premises.
- The opposition plan, outlined by Andrew Griffith, sought 100% relief that would remove about 250,000 high-street properties from the rates system.
- Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said the forthcoming Budget will introduce permanently lower rates for some high-street businesses.
- Industry research cited in the Commons warned that proposed rate changes next April could put about 120,000 jobs at risk.
- Conservatives highlighted rising ingredient and operating costs, Labour’s Miatta Fahnbulleh pointed to long-term weak productivity, and smaller parties pressed for urgent energy-bill reforms.