RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak has written to the Government about "eye-watering" increases in business rates faced by auction marts.

The livestock markets at Hawes, Leyburn and Northallerton are facing increases of up to 270 per cent following one of the regular reviews of the rating system.

Other rural businesses, like equestrian centres, are also facing steep rises.

Mr Sunak has written to the Leader of the House of Commons, David Liddington, after raising the issue in the chamber last week and visiting Hawes mart at the weekend.

He said: "While the majority of businesses will pay the same or less in rates following the revaluation, it is clear a small number of rural businesses are being asked to carry a disproportionate burden."

Mr Sunak said the businesses affected would benefit from a transitional rate relief scheme worth £3.6bn which would limit increases in the first year to no more than 12.5 per cent but the relief tapered off over five years.

At the end of that five-year cushion, Hawes could be expected to pay about 270 per more, Northallerton 145 per cent more and Leyburn 92 per cent more.

He said: "These businesses are not making huge profits and such increases will be very difficult to absorb."