Enews – 19 September 2025

In this week’s Enews, there is news that the Chancellor is exploring changes to business rates for small firms. There are also details of a Budget Board to boost economic growth and a Covid repayment scheme to update you on.

• Chancellor to explore reforms to business rates on second premises
• Budget Board must focus on easing the cost of doing business, says IoD
• Covid repayment window opens

Chancellor to explore reforms to business rates on second premises

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will look at fixing the cliff edges in business rates that can discourage small business investment and growth, according to a report from HM Treasury.

Currently when a business opens a second property, they will lose access to all Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) unless they meet specific conditions, holding businesses back from expanding.

That means that a local bakery would have to pay thousands of pounds more for opening a small shop in the next village.

The report confirms that the government will review how SBRR can support business growth, potentially lifting growth and living standards in the future for those who work in these small businesses.

This is one of the options being explored in the Treasury’s business rates interim report.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

‘Our economy isn’t broken, but it does feel stuck. That’s why growth is our number one mission. We want to see thriving high streets and small businesses investing in their future, not held back by outdated rules or strangled by red tape.

‘Tax reforms such as tackling cliff-edges in business rates and making reliefs fairer are vital to driving growth. We want to help small businesses expand to new premises and building an economy that works for, and rewards working people.’

Internet link: HM Treasury website

Budget Board must focus on easing the cost of doing business, says IoD

The government’s Budget Board must focus on easing the cost of doing business, says the Institute of Directors (IoD).

The board has been created to link top ministers and 10 Downing Street officials with the Treasury.

The board will meet weekly and will be chaired by the Prime Minister’s new economic advisor Baroness Minouche Shafik and Treasury Minister Torsten Bell.

Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the IoD, said:

‘We are glad to see the government putting renewed energy into the growth agenda with a particular focus on business.

‘It is positive that the government has announced the creation of this body, bringing together teams across Number 10 and the Treasury, focussed on ensuring that the Autumn Budget delivers vitality to the economy.

‘Business confidence has fallen to historically low levels since last year’s Budget. Our own economic confidence index fell to its lowest ever level in July this year, with taxes and the wider economic climate dominating concerns amongst business leaders.

‘To be successful, this board needs to deliver a Budget that really works for business, with swift action to remove barriers to growth from the regulatory and tax system. We look forward to engaging constructively with the board to ensure the voice of enterprise is at the heart of its work.’

Internet link: IoD website

Covid repayment window opens

The government has launched a voluntary repayment scheme to allow recipients of financial Covid support to repay outstanding money they were not entitled to or did not need with ‘no questions asked’.

The government says that over £10 billion was lost to pandemic fraud, flawed contracts and waste under the previous government’s pandemic era procurement and schemes. £1.54 billion has already been recovered through existing efforts.

It says it will do everything in its power to recoup money lost to Covid fraud.

All Covid schemes, including loans, grants, social security and tax benefits fall under the voluntary repayment scheme.

The government says that individuals who don’t take the chance to come forward and repay outstanding money could face prosecution when it receives additional investigatory powers next year.

Changes to how director disqualification works could also see more people stopped from being involved in businesses or facing compensation orders.

A Covid fraud reporting website is also being launched to allow members of the public to report suspected fraud.

Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner Tom Hayhoe said:

‘Our message to those who still owe Covid era money is simple – pay now, clear your conscience, or face the consequences.

‘This money belongs in communities, the NHS, police and armed forces. Those who don’t take up this straightforward offer and have knowingly, wrongly claimed tax-payer-funded help could face prosecution, disqualification, or prison.

‘The digital trail is forever, so the time to settle is now – before new investigatory powers and tougher rules come into force.’

Internet link: GOV.UK