Oral Answers to Questions

Jonathan Hinder Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I agree it is important that all children learn to swim, especially in our coastal communities. We had to make difficult decisions at the Budget, but I am happy to try to arrange a meeting between the hon. Gentleman and the relevant Minister to make sure the investment can go ahead at pace.

[Jonathan Hinder (Pendle and Clitheroe) (Lab)]

13. What steps she is taking to introduce permanent reductions to business rates for high street retailers.

[Connor Naismith (Crewe and Nantwich) (Lab)]

17. What steps she is taking to introduce permanent reductions to business rates for high street retailers.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (James Murray)]

To deliver our manifesto pledge, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for high street retail, hospitality and leisure properties from 2026-27. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, so we intend to introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties—those with a rateable value of £500,000 or above—from 2026-27. The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill, introduced last month, will enable the Government to deliver these changes, and it will come into effect in April 2026.

[Jonathan Hinder]

High streets in my Pendle and Clitheroe constituency were hollowed out under the last Conservative Government, with many shops left empty. Small, independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy, employing local people, keeping our towns vibrant and giving them their character and charm. Can the Minister assure me that multinational giants will pay their fair share under Labour, levelling the playing field and enabling our high streets to thrive?

[James Murray]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of small, independent businesses in his constituency, and I am sure his sentiment is shared by Members across the House. Through our reforms, we are setting out to make sure that those properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or more pay so we can have a permanent tax cut for high street business. This category includes the large distribution warehouses used by online businesses, which will make sure that those online businesses make a fair contribution to ensuring that our high streets are the success we all want to see.