Our responses highlights the growing pressures that business rates place on local firms and the implications for investment. We have highlighted that increases in rateable values, as well as rates, are constraining businesses’ ability to invest in people, property, and technology. Micro and small businesses, which make up the majority of Buckinghamshire’s business population, are experiencing disproportionate impacts.

BBF supports the proposed shift to a marginal “slice” system, where premises with higher rateable values are subject to higher rates, but stresses that reforms must be proportional to the profitability and activity of businesses. We argued for more bands and smoother rate transitions to avoid “cliff-edge” effects, as well as stronger Improvement Relief to prevent higher rates from discouraging refurbishments.

Our response also supported sector‑specific approaches to business rates, but warned that simple sector‑based exemptions may overlook small businesses that rely on large premises. Finally, BBF emphasises the need for greater predictability and stability in the rates system, noting that uncertainty remains a major barrier to investment and growth across the county.

Learn more about the call for evidence, which closed on 18th February, here >

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