Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Tuesday 17th April 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mel Stride Portrait Mel Stride
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As I have just identified, the Government have done a huge amount to reduce the burden of business rates. We recognise the important fact that these taxes need to be paid, irrespective of whether businesses are profitable or otherwise. That is why we have gone to such lengths, providing £9 billion of relief in 2016, including transitional relief for those facing the largest potential increases in business rates, and a further £2.3 billion by way of bringing forward by two years the change in the indexation of business rates from retail prices index to consumer prices index, saving businesses £2.3 billion over the next few years.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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Business rates are really hitting businesses in York, particularly in the retail sector. This is having a huge impact on our city. On 8 March 2017, the Chancellor promised this House a complete review of business rates, yet we have only seen sticking plasters from the Government. When will that review begin?

Mel Stride Portrait Mel Stride
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The business rates review is being undertaken by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.