Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Federation of Wholesale Distributors on wholesaler’s eligibility for Business Rates Relief.

The Government has been in contact with the Federation of Wholesale Distributors. The Government has provided Local Authorities with £1.1 billion across England via the Additional Restrictions Grant, for businesses which are not legally closed, but which are nonetheless severely affected by local or national restrictions.

Local Authorities have discretion on how to use this funding to support businesses in their areas, but the Government encourages them to set up discretionary grant schemes to support businesses such as wholesalers which can remain open, but which are nonetheless severely affected by the enhanced COVID-19 restrictions.

There are currently no plans to change the scope of existing business rates relief. HM Treasury is conducting a fundamental review of the business rates system and will consider any future reliefs through that process.