In her November Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves scaled back business rate discounts that have been in force since the pandemic from 75% to 40% – and announced that there would be no discount at all from April.
The government has offered some relief by reducing the “multiplier” used to calculate business rates.
But at the same time the Treasury has readjusted the rateable values of commercial property, meaning some businesses will be faced with bigger bills overall.
At PMQs, Maskell said: “Having met with many independent business owners, they fear the cumulative impact of the rateable value revision and relief reductions.
“In York, hospitality sees an average business rate rise of 41%, a music venue 44.4% and many independent shops increase around 27%.
“It will mean doors closing and trade ceasing, they just can’t do it.
“So could the prime minister urgently review the business rate proposals, and will he ensure a minister or official attends my business rate summit at the end of January, as I want to avert a crisis on York’s High Street.”
Sir Keir said talks were ongoing with the hospitality industry, without giving details about what measures were being discussed.
The PM’s spokesman also refused to give a “running commentary” and said the hospitality industry had been given a £4.3bn support package over three years in the Budget.
But some Labour MPs have told the BBC they are optimistic further relief will avoid the kind of protests seen over plans to tax inherited farm land, which eventually led to a partial U-turn.
They point to the willingness of Treasury ministers to meet the pub trade and critical Labour MPs.
Not all MPs are asking for the same thing from ministers, with some calling for a year-long delay to the reforms, while others expect the level of rates relief to be increased.
But there is a widespread view that changes of some kind will need to be made.