Jess Brown-Fuller MP presses Government to deliver business rates reform

Jess Brown-Fuller has challenged the Government in Parliament this week over its failure to deliver meaningful reform of the business rates system, warning that continued delay is holding back local businesses across Chichester. 

Raising the issue in the House, Jess highlighted the frustration felt by many businesses in the constituency which are busy and well-established, yet struggling under an outdated system which penalises investment and places an unfair burden on high streets. She made clear that it is not poor trading but poor policy that is causing businesses to suffer. 

Jess Brown-Fuller is calling for action on Business Rates. 

Jess pointed out that these concerns are not new, quoting directly from the Labour Party’s own manifesto, which acknowledges that the current business rates system disincentivises investment and harms high streets. She asked ministers when businesses can expect the real changes that have repeatedly been promised, rather than further tinkering around the edges. 

In addition to her spoken question, Jess has also tabled a written parliamentary question seeking clarity on the Government’s timetable for reform, and how it intends to give businesses the long-term certainty they need to plan and grow. 

Business rates have long been criticised for hitting pubs, restaurants, the service industry and retail businesses particularly hard, placing bricks-and-mortar shops at a disadvantage compared with online retail giants, against whom they often can’t compete. Despite repeated commitments to reform, businesses have instead been left relying on short-term reliefs that fail to address the underlying problems of the system. 

Commenting after raising the issue, Jess said: 

“Chichester’s businesses are doing all the right things - they’re investing locally, creating jobs and supporting our high streets. They deserve a system that rewards enterprise rather than punishing it. Acknowledging the problem is not enough, and this Government now needs to act.” 

This intervention reflects Jess Brown-Fuller’s ongoing work to hold the Government to account and argue for a fairer, more sustainable approach to business taxation.