Business leaders have written to George Osborne calling on the chancellor to restate his commitment to reviewing business rates, amid fears an overhaul of commercial property charges could be kicked into the long grass.

In last December's Autumn Statement, Mr Osborne promised to instigate a review of business rates with findings to be presented in time for the 2016 Budget.

But since the announcement there has been no news on any timetable or possible terms of reference for the review.