The majority of MPs believe the current business rates system is ‘not fit for purpose' according to research by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The poll found that 80% of MPs want the system to undergo 'fundamental reform', with 93% agreeing that 'reform of business rates is an important area for the future success of the high street and town centres'.
The BRC is calling for the complete reform of the business rates system by 2017 and is urging all party leaders to commit to reform in the run up to the 2015 General Election.
Helen Dickinson, director general of the BRC, said: 'It is no longer an option to say that fundamental reform is too difficult or complicated – that particular ship has sailed. The challenge for politicians is to show us all how they are going to embrace the task of reform and deliver, with us, a system that is fit for the 21st century.'
The BRC believe the total amount of business rates should be reduced, business rates should flex with overall economic performance, and business rates should be shared equitably across the economy.
In response, high streets minister Brandon Lewis said the government's long-term economic plan was about supporting businesses. He said: 'We have already taken targeted action, including providing over £1 billion of business rates support, introducing a new £1000 retail discount and the doubling of small business rate relief for the past three years helping an estimated half a million small firms
'Looking forward our business rates review is considering options for longer-term administrative reform of business rates after 2017 that balance the need for the system to deliver simplicity, fairness, stability and predictability to ratepayers.'
