Government in ‘listening mode’ amid concerns over business rate changes

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Mr Javid is likely to bring up the issue at a parliamentary debate on Wednesday

A parliamentary debate on local government finance which is due to take place on Wednesday is likely to be the forum where Mr Javid brings up the issue, and tries to ease a public revolt by MPs on the issue.

Government sources confirmed ministers were in "listening mode" amid the reports that extra money may be released by Chancellor Philip Hammond to help firms facing sharp tax rises.

Mr Javid has been accused of misleading MPs over the impact of rate revaluations which would increase bills for more than one in four companies.

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Mr Javid has been accused of misleading MPs

Theresa May came forward to defend Mr Javid.

Downing Street proclaimed the Prime Minister had full confidence in the minister after a hard few days of criticism for his stance.

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Theresa May came forward to defend Mr Javid

Some of the critics were angered because Mr Javid had suggested a campaign of "half-truths" was behind the attacks on business rate changes.

Ministers have branded claims that the Government underestimated rate rises by 5-7% as nonsense.

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Philip Hammond will deliver his Autumn Statement to MPs at the House of Commons detailing the government's spending and taxation plans today

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Philip Hammond reads through his Autumn Statement in his office in 11 Downing Street

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Chancellor Philip Hammond faced concerns from MPs on the issue

Earlier in the week, Mr Hammond faced intense concern from some MPs on the issue at an 80-minute meeting of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee.

MPs stated that time was now of the essence as bills for the coming year due to go out over a five-week period starting on Friday.

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