Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, will urge the Government to reform the business rates system in a commons debate on Tuesday, saying “business rates are past their sell-by-date”.

Danczuk, a active campaigner for the high street, will lead a debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday which will examine the Government’s response to helping struggling town centres.

Dunczuk said: “I think the Government approach to improving the high street is wholly inadequate.

“I have had long-standing concerns about the adverse impact of business rates.”

Referring to the postponement of the controversial rates revaluation from 2015 to 2017, Danczuk said: “It is having an adverse effect on the sector.”

“My personal view is that the Government needs to look again at the whole structure and collection of business rates. It needs a thorough investigation.”

Retail Week has been lobbying the Government to create a fairer rates system for retailers through the Fair Rates for Retail campaign. It aims to switch the way rates are calculated from September’s RPI inflation to a fairer annualised CPI.

“Business rates are past their sell by date. They do not suit the economy we live in and with the growth of retail I don’t think they are fit for purpose.”

Business rates have increased by more than £500m over the past two years, which has hit retailers hard, stunting investment and the creation of new jobs.

Danczuk will also examine the progress of the Portas Pilots, which are the Town Teams chosen by Government to trial recommendations made by retail expert Mary Portas on how to improve the high street.  

The Inquiry into the UK Retail Sector will also hear its first round of evidence on Tuesday. Alliance Boots, Morrisons and F Hinds have all submitted evidence to the Inquiry calling for a rates reform.