The government must take the chance to fix the UK’s broken business rates system, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The business group says anxiety about business rates rose to 41% in its Quarterly Economic Survey for the first quarter of 2026.

This is the highest level since the BCC started asking the question in 2017.

Companies cite cost pressure from business rates as a key reason for increasing prices and delaying expansion of their premises. 

While the government made some concessions on business rates for pubs and live music venues earlier this year, BCC research shows business concerns are much wider. 

Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights at the BCC, said: 

‘Reforming business rates was a key manifesto pledge of the government, but it has only tinkered around the edges.

‘The government must deliver the more ambitious root and branch reform of the whole system that it promised. 

‘As first steps, it should mitigate the steep jumps in bills across all sectors caused by the 2026 revaluation and introduce a single flat rate multiplier.

‘This shift should then jumpstart a more rigorous consultation with business on how to fully reform what is a complex and rigid system.

‘They are ready to contribute innovative thinking on change without costing the Exchequer. There are other tax mechanisms that can meet the goal of widening the tax base to allow for a lower multiplier.’

Internet link: BCC

Decisive action is needed to tackle the ‘hidden threat’ of crime against businesses damaging growth, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). 

Theft, fraud, scams and cyber-attacks are increasingly affecting firms of all sizes and across all sectors, BCC research has found. 

The business group’s research shows that 42% of UK businesses experienced some form of crime in the past year. 

The data reveals larger firms are more vulnerable, increasing from 32% among micro-businesses to 58% among firms employing more than 250 people. The manufacturing sector is the hardest hit, with 50% of firms reporting business crime. 

The BCC report concludes that business crime is a ‘structural constraint’ and ‘measurable brake’ on UK economic performance. 

The BCC is calling for a National Business Crime Strategic Assessment to properly measure the economic harm caused by crime against businesses. 

It is also asking for a single cyber-attack reporting system for firms and the creation of Regional Business Crime Hubs. 

Ellis Shelton, Policy Manager at the BCC, said: ‘Crime against business is now a serious barrier to growth and investment across the UK. 

‘Our research shows many firms are dealing with rising levels of theft, fraud and cyber-attacks. Bosses are being forced to divert crucial time and money to tackling this anchor on growth. 

‘Crime is becoming more sophisticated and there needs to be a step change in the support businesses can count on. 

‘Reducing crime against business isn’t just about protecting balance sheets. It’s about removing structural barriers to growth.’

Internet link: BCC

A record 737,891 taxpayers filed their 2025/26 self assessment returns in April, according to figures from HMRC.

The tax authority said that 86,270 taxpayers submitted their return on the first possible day, which was Easter Monday. That made 6 April, the first day of the new tax year, the most popular date for filing.

In total, 298,905 people filed their 2025/26 self assessment tax return in the first week of the tax year.

HMRC says that people who file their tax return early and are owed a tax refund, can receive it sooner.

Anyone unsure whether they need to complete a tax return can use the checker tool on GOV.UK to find out. People new to self assessment must first register to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when they complete and file their return.

Myrtle Lloyd, Chief Customer Officer at HMRC, said:

‘For thousands of people, filing early and staying on top of their finances has become the norm. It takes the pressure off in January and means they can spend their time focusing on their business and doing things they love.

‘Make a start on your tax return today by searching ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK.’

Internet link: HMRC

Taxpayers who are required to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from April 2026 should sign up now if they haven’t done so already, says the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Taxpayers who had combined gross income from sole trades and property businesses of more than £50,000 for 2024/25 must use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026.

More taxpayers will be required to use MTD from April 2027 and April 2028. Taxpayers who are not required to use MTD income tax can volunteer to do so.

HMRC estimates that approximately 864,000 taxpayers are required to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026. The ICAEW says that approximately only 280,000 taxpayers have signed up so far, with 30,000 taxpayers having done so voluntarily. 

The Institute said:

‘ICAEW is encouraging taxpayers who have yet to sign up to MTD income tax to do so in good time in order to submit their first quarterly update by 7 August 2026. By signing up in advance of the first filing deadline, taxpayers and agents will give themselves more time to deal with any issues that may arise.’

Internet link: ICAEW

The UK government’s formal commitment to legislation to stamp out late payments is an historic moment, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB says small firms have spent years battling a culture of poor payment practices by big businesses towards their smaller suppliers.

The government’s plans for more stringent rules around prompt payment will go ahead in this parliament, the King’s Speech confirmed.

These will include maximum payment terms of 60 days while late payments will also be subject to mandatory interest of 8% above Bank of England base rate.

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of FSB, said:

‘Late payment destroys thousands of viable small firms a year, damages growth, hits confidence, and keeps hardworking business owners up at night wondering how they will cover wages, bills, and tax payments.

‘For too long, large businesses have used small suppliers as a free overdraft. That’s why FSB has fought hard for these changes and worked in partnership with the government to make them happen.

‘Among the other measures, regulating unscrupulous third-party intermediaries, such as energy brokers and consultants, ending hidden commissions and cowboy sales tactics, is a much-needed move, and we hope the plans set out today will mean small firms finally get a fair deal and transparent energy prices.

‘Proposals to raise visitor levies in England come at a time when the tourism and hospitality sectors are on their knees. If the legislation goes ahead, it must be designed with small firms in mind and avoid being a deterrent to tourism itself.’

Internet link: FSB