Lauren Edwards

Lauren Edwards

Labour — Rochester and Strood

Speaking in the House of Commons on 12 March 2026

Debate

Business of the House

Contribution

May we have a debate on the recent Valuation Office Agency changes to business rate classifications for flexible and co-working spaces? The agency says that it is just following case law, but the changes could have significant implications for businesses, some of which will face big backdated bills. Flexible working spaces are an important part of regenerating town centres, such as in Chatham in my constituency, because they drive footfall and mean people spend money in local shops. We desperately need a political solution to this problem.

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