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Written Question
Business Rates: City of Durham
Thursday 16th October 2025

Asked by: Mary Kelly Foy (Labour - City of Durham)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of retail businesses impacted by (a) the business rates reduction for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties and (b) the higher business rates multiplier in the City of Durham.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so the Government will introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026/27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Division Vote (Commons)
15 Oct 2025 - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 304 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 151 Noes - 319
Division Vote (Commons)
15 Oct 2025 - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 309 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 160 Noes - 324
Division Vote (Commons)
15 Oct 2025 - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 306 Labour No votes vs 1 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 316
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 14 Oct 2025
Child Risk Disclosure Scheme

"I thank my hon. Friend for securing this important debate. Maya’s tragic story has touched many people across the north-east. I am pleased to support the family’s campaign. As my hon. Friend mentioned, one key ask from the family is the disclosure of information about wider caregivers. The recurring theme …..."
Mary Kelly Foy - View Speech

View all Mary Kelly Foy (Lab - City of Durham) contributions to the debate on: Child Risk Disclosure Scheme
Division Vote (Commons)
14 Oct 2025 - Mental Health Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 318 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 327
Division Vote (Commons)
14 Oct 2025 - Mental Health Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 320 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 164 Noes - 333
Division Vote (Commons)
14 Oct 2025 - Mental Health Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Mary Kelly Foy (Lab) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 320 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 339
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 14 Oct 2025
Oral Answers to Questions

"1. What steps he is taking to ensure scientific evidence is used to support his net zero policies. ..."
Mary Kelly Foy - View Speech

View all Mary Kelly Foy (Lab - City of Durham) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 14 Oct 2025
Oral Answers to Questions

"This Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower is not only delivering against climate targets, but delivering jobs and investment in places like Durham and the wider north-east, where around 500 renewable energy companies already employ around 17,000 people in good-quality jobs—a figure that is set to rise …..."
Mary Kelly Foy - View Speech

View all Mary Kelly Foy (Lab - City of Durham) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions