A Fairer Future for High Streets: Why Businesses Should Back the Hybrid Business Rates Campaign

High streets across the UK are at a turning point.

From rising operational costs to changing consumer behaviour, bricks-and-mortar businesses are working harder than ever to remain competitive. Yet one issue continues to weigh heavily on town centres of all sizes — the outdated business rates system.

Recent national coverage has highlighted growing calls for reform, with ministers urged to consider a new Hybrid Business Rates model designed to ease pressure on high streets and create a fairer system for modern commerce.

Here at Ripon BID, we believe this is a conversation local businesses cannot afford to ignore.

Why the Current System Needs Reform

Business rates were designed decades ago for a very different economy — one dominated by physical premises rather than digital sales.

Today, many city and town centre businesses face rising bills while competing against online retailers with significantly lower property costs. The imbalance is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.

Industry groups warn that rising rates could threaten the future of local high streets, with some forecasts suggesting significant increases in bills over the coming years — placing added pressure on already stretched businesses. (SME Magazine)

Meanwhile, business groups across the UK continue to call for broader reform, warning that without meaningful change, closures and job losses could follow. (GB News)

What Is the Hybrid Business Rates Model?

The Hybrid Business Rates proposal — developed through national collaboration led by the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) — aims to modernise the system so it reflects how businesses operate today.

In simple terms, the model would:

  • Reduce traditional property-based business rates — cutting bills for physical premises by up to 37%
  • Introduce a modest levy on online sales, ensuring digital activity contributes fairly
  • Keep overall tax revenue stable, meaning it redistributes the burden rather than increasing it

This approach recognises the realities of a digital economy while supporting the businesses that bring life to city and town centres.

Crucially, the model is designed to level the playing field between high street and online businesses, protecting jobs and encouraging investment in local communities. (Heart of London Business Alliance)

Why Ripon BID Supports This Direction

Business Improvement Districts exist to support thriving city and town centres — and thriving centres need fair taxation.

Ripon BID recognises that reforming business rates is not just a national policy issue — it is a local economic priority.

A fairer system would help:

  • Sustain independent retailers
  • Support hospitality and leisure businesses
  • Encourage investment in vacant units
  • Strengthen city and town centre resilience
  • Maintain the vibrancy that communities depend on

Without meaningful reform, the risk is clear: rising costs and declining footfall could lead to more empty units and fewer reasons for people to visit city and town centres.

A Growing National Campaign

The Hybrid Business Rates proposal is gaining momentum nationwide.

HOLBA is leading a coalition of organisations calling for reform through its Real Rates Reform campaign, inviting businesses and representative bodies across the country to add their voice.

The campaign argues that the current system places a disproportionate burden on physical premises and fails to reflect the growth of online trade — making reform essential to long-term economic stability. (Heart of London Business Alliance)

Momentum matters. The more organisations and businesses that support reform, the stronger the case becomes.

Why Your Voice Matters

Government policy is influenced by collective action.

When local businesses stand together, policymakers listen.

That’s why Ripon BID is encouraging businesses across the city to learn more about the Hybrid Business Rates campaign and consider lending their support.

This is not just about taxation — it is about the future of our city and town centres, our businesses, and our communities.

A Call to Action for Ripon Businesses

Now is the time to act.

If you believe high streets deserve a fairer deal — one that reflects modern trading realities — we urge you to:

  • Learn more about the Hybrid Business Rates campaign
  • Support national calls for reform
  • Engage with your BID and industry networks
  • Make your voice heard

Together, we can help shape a fairer future for high streets — not just in major cities, but in historic market cities like Ripon, where local businesses are the backbone of community life.

Ripon BID supports efforts to modernise business rates — and we encourage businesses to stand behind the HOLBA campaign to help deliver lasting change.

Sign up to HOLBA’s newsletter here: https://holba.london/our-newsletters and read the full report here: https://holba.london/projects-campaigns/