Theresa May offers promise of help on business rates

The prime minister has said the government is looking at "appropriate relief" for firms hardest hit by business rate rises.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, calling for a full review of the system as well as discretionary financial support for small and micro-businesses.

In response, the prime minister said business rates were based on the rental value of properties and rental values "do change".

But she added: "I have asked the chancellor and business secretary to make sure there is appropriate relief in those hardest cases."