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Bristol retailers are among thousands of high street businesses urging the government to reconsider plans to raise business rates for the largest properties.

High Streets º£½ÇÊÓƵ, a partnership of more than 5,000 businesses across the country, said the move would place a "disproportionate burden" on flagship stores.

Under plans, properties with a rateable value of more than £500,000 could be subject to a business rates multiplier up to 10p higher than the current levy. The idea is it will pay for a rates reduction on small high street businesses.

The group said the upcoming 2026 revaluation added "further uncertainty" and would deincentivise near-term investment.

The group has called on Sir Keir Starmer's government to conduct a full impact assessment of proposed multiplier increases and freezing any hike in the higher multiplier until 2027/28 to provide greater certainty.

Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID on behalf of Visit West Bristol BIDs, said while business rates reform was necessary, it needed to "support, rather than hinder" the future of flagship high streets.

"Bristol’s high street businesses are a crucial part of our city’s economy, driving jobs, tourism and investment," she said. "We urge the Government to take a balanced approach, ensuring that rates remain competitive and that businesses have the certainty they need to plan ahead.

"A thriving high street benefits not just retailers, but the entire city, from independent businesses to local communities."

Dee Corsi, chair of High Streets º£½ÇÊÓƵ, added: “Flagship high streets are the economic and social anchors of our cities – they create jobs, drive local and national growth, and serve as vital hubs for communities.

"Moreover, within a high street ecosystem, it is often the larger retail, leisure and hospitality units which drive footfall and spend in smaller neighbouring businesses. If you put these larger stores at risk, the impact will be felt across the entire high street.

“As a collective voice for these high streets, High Streets º£½ÇÊÓƵ is calling on the Government to take urgent action to safeguard their future, ensuring our city centres remain dynamic, competitive, and resilient.”

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