Business Rates: High Street Retailers
Lord Harrison Excerpts(7 years, 11 months ago)
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Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
My Lords, for example, the CBI has welcomed the proposals and the British Chambers of Commerce has said that it is essential that we have revaluations. It is not a question of consulting. We have put in place in relation to assisting businesses—the great mass of small and medium-sized businesses have benefited—a scheme that is entirely fair.
Lord Harrison (Lab)
Could the Minister write to my noble friend about what consultation actually took place?
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
My Lords, I am very happy to write to the noble Lord. I have indicated that no consultation has taken place on the scheme with business; I am very happy to confirm that. That is the way this has always been conducted under successive Governments. What is important is having something there in terms of transitional relief to assist businesses. Most businesses are benefiting from that.