Business Rates Avoidance Schemes

Debate between Lord Berkeley and Lord Wilson of Sedgefield

Wednesday 16th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Wilson of Sedgefield (Lab)]

I kindly say to the noble Lord that, at the last Budget, the Valuation Office announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government have introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases in 2026-27, including 23% whose bills will go down. This also means that most properties are seeing increases capped at 15% or less in 2026-27, or at £800 for the smallest.

[Lord Berkeley (Lab)]

Has my noble friend seen an increase in the use of disused buildings for snail farms? People who run snail farms can claim agricultural relief from some rates. Is he aware of this and, if not, can he look into it?

[Lord Wilson of Sedgefield (Lab)]

We are talking about snails, so I do not know how quickly we will act on this. I will look into this and write to my noble friend.