Covid-19: Cultural and Entertainment Sectors

Siobhain McDonagh Excerpts
Tuesday 2nd March 2021

(3 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Siobhain McDonagh Portrait Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab)
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On St Patrick’s Day 2020, the Chancellor stood at the Dispatch Box and made it clear that events companies with rateable properties would not have to pay business rates. However, the decision was discretionary, and by the time it reached local authorities many said that such companies were not eligible. How can a company be required to pay business rates if it is prevented from doing business, and can I ask the Minister: why is this support a lottery by borough?

Nigel Evans Portrait Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
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I am terribly sorry to the hon. Lady for the short contribution and to all other Members who failed to get in. We now have the wind-ups.