Small businesses, especially those that are independent or family-owned, are set to face difficulties in the coming months due to the rise in business rates set out by the government. Some firms face up to a 45% increase in their tax bill, with overall businesses in London facing an overall increase of £900m in tax payments. London mayor, Sadiq Khan stated that, “The very nature of London’s high streets is under threat…What we need is full devolution of business rates to London with genuine protections in place”