Pubs, cafes and salons will be spared business rates in Healey's budget, with online retailers set to foot the bill

Chancellor John Healey is expected to lift the business rates threshold from £12,000 to £18,000 in his October 28 budget, freeing some 75,000 properties from the tax. Around 40,000 shops, 2,500 pubs, 2,000 salons and 1,600 cafes stand to benefit. The change will roll out first across England. Healey said he wants a budget that gives Britain 'a bit of breathing space'.

The move follows a summer pledge by the Prime Minister to give pubs 'breathing room'.