Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill

Debate between Baroness Taylor of Stevenage and Lord Fox

2nd reading
Wednesday 29th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

Knowing the Chancellor as I do, I am sure she was extremely well prepared for taking on the commitment and had some idea of what was going on well before she came into office. I am sure that that was her being well prepared.

The noble Baroness, Lady Scott, and the noble Lords, Lord Waldegrave and Lord Maude, raised the impact on charitable activity if schools stopped or reduced their activity. They will continue to operate as charities and there will be no other tax changes specific to their charitable status.

I see I am running out of time, so I will close. I have a number of other points, including on several points of detail made by the noble Earl, Lord Lytton.

[Lord Fox (LD)]

I will read the noble Baroness’s statement in Hansard with great interest but does she recognise that, far from clarifying the issue, which has a number of moving parts, she has thrown some more moving parts into the bag? For us to have a sensible and reasoned approach to Committee, we really need some more clarity. I hope she will take that back with her from this debate. We are willing and ready to engage but it is very difficult, with the degree of murk we are currently encountering.

[Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)]

I hear the noble Lord’s remarks, and of course I will take that back. I and, I am sure, my noble friend Lord Khan will be happy to undertake any further engagement that noble Lords wish to have before we go into Committee.

The two key points seem to be that this was not a general review of business rates, which we know it is not—a further, wider review of business rates is going on—and the clarification of the VOA valuations, which will set out what categories properties over and under £500,000 will come into. Of course, we will do our best to clarify any further questions that noble Lords have as soon as we can.

I thank all noble Lords who contributed to the debate. This is our first step on the road to transform the business rates system. We want to provide certainty and support to our high streets by enabling the delivery of a permanent tax cut that is sustainable and levels the playing field between the high street and the online giants. It will also help break down barriers to opportunity and support all parents to achieve their aspirations for their children. All parents have aspirations for their children, and it is right that we do our best to support them in delivering and achieving them by raising additional revenue to support the more than 90% of children who attend a state school.