I have written to the Chancellor alongside parliamentary colleagues, Nick Timothy MP and Lee Dillon MP, to raise serious concerns about planned changes to the Business Rates system that will disproportionately impact racehorse training yards.
Racing is a vital industry in Thirsk and Malton, supporting jobs, local businesses and the wider rural economy. New Treasury guidance would exclude training yards from Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief, leading to significant increases in business rates for many yards over the coming years.
This decision risks placing unsustainable pressure on businesses that are already facing rising costs. I see first-hand the importance of racing to our local communities, and there is no convincing justification for singling out training yards when other comparable sporting and leisure facilities continue to receive support.
I am urging the Chancellor to urgently revisit this guidance, ensure fair and consistent treatment for racing yards, and engage properly with the industry to understand the real-world impact of these changes.
Our letter is attached.
