Momentum is building around business rates reform, with recent comments from Andy Burnham suggesting there is scope to go further in supporting high street businesses at the upcoming Budget.
For many occupiers, that is a welcome sign that the conversation is shifting in a more positive direction - towards a fairer, more responsive system that better reflects today’s trading conditions.
At the same time, the latest Estates Gazette coverage highlights just how actively businesses are engaging with the rates system following the 2026 revaluation. A significant increase in checks and challenges shows that occupiers are paying closer attention to their liabilities and taking steps to ensure their assessments are accurate. Estates Gazette declared in the first three months of 2026 alone, nearly 130,000 new checks were submitted in England – almost five times the number lodged in the previous quarter. Since the 2023 list began, more than 341,000 checks have been submitted.
Business rates remain one of the most significant property overheads, and even modest savings can make a meaningful difference to day-to-day cash flow, investment decisions and long-term planning. In sectors where margins are tight -including retail, leisure, care and multi-site operations - ensuring that rateable values are correct is a practical way to protect performance.
The appeal process can also be viewed as an important safeguard. It gives occupiers the opportunity to review the facts, check that property details are right and challenge valuations where there is evidence to support a change. In that sense, the current volume of activity reflects a system being used more fully and more effectively, with businesses taking a hands-on approach to managing costs.
That said, the scale of the workload does mean occupiers should act strategically. With many checks and challenges still working through the system, it is important to make sure any case is well prepared from the outset, with the right evidence and a clear understanding of the likely outcome. A focused, commercially minded approach can help businesses unlock potential savings while avoiding unnecessary delay.
As John Healey’s first Budget approaches this autumn, there is a genuine opportunity for further progress on business rates policy. Whether through more targeted reliefs, broader reform or continued recognition of the pressures facing occupiers, the direction of travel suggests support for businesses remains firmly on the agenda.
If you are reviewing your business rates position, Dunlop Heywood can help. Our team can assess whether your assessment is accurate, identify potential savings and guide you through the check, challenge and appeal process with practical, expert advice. Get in touch with Dunlop Heywood for a no-obligation conversation about your property portfolio and business rates exposure.
