25% of HOLBA members could be impacted by new business rates hikes

26th September 2025: Our research shows that businesses with a property RV over £500k — which we estimate to be 1 in 4 HOLBA members — could be affected by a proposed hike in business rates coming into effect in April 2026.

We know that this increase, on top of other recent significant cost rises, has implications for business growth and investment in the West End and wider London.

Our Chief Executive, Ros Morgan, told The Times this week that “businesses in the West End and across London are staring down the barrel of a huge tax hike — with no justification or reform… Businesses are uncertain about their future liabilities, which has been exacerbated by the delay of the budget to the end of November.”

This is why we are campaigning for Real Rates Reform, urging the Government to assess the impact of these changes on central London businesses and to consider our ‘Combined Business Rate’ solution — a fairer, smarter business rates system that cuts bills by a third, spreads the burden across the modern economy, (including online), while still raising £6bn more for Government.

Please get in touch if this rise could affect your business.

Join us in advocating for reform as we gather evidence on the potential impact of these changes on jobs, investment, and the vibrancy of our cities.