Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend eligibility for the support available to the retail and leisure sectors to the English language school sector.

Business rates are administered by local government and it is for local authorities to determine eligibility for reliefs, having regard to guidance issued by the Government.

The Government understands the many areas of difficulty for businesses caused by the COVID-19 disruption and has introduced a number of measures to support businesses through this challenging period.

If any business is in a difficult position with regard to business rates bills, they are encouraged to contact their local authority to discuss whether other support may be available. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, has also been made available. Further information can be found at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.

As set out at the Spending Review, in order to ensure that any decisions best meet the evolving challenges presented by COVID-19, the Government will outline plans for 2021-22 reliefs in due course.