Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress the Government is making on enabling local authorities to retain business rates generated by new nuclear developments.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Michael Fallon on 17^th July 2013, Official Report, Column 105-106WS:

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130717/wmstext/130717m0001.htm#13071774000008

In the first instance, authorities hosting new nuclear power stations would retain a share of the business rates that a power station pays once it begins generating electricity, up until the end of the decade in which the power station comes online. Thereafter, the remaining balance of the community benefit package would be paid directly by BEIS.

We are working closely with colleagues in DCLG on the detailed business rates arrangements that will be in place for new nuclear communities, and will engage with the relevant local authorities to ensure their views and concerns are heard as we take forward work on the policy.