Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received from SMEs that have not received business rates support to help mitigate the effects of the covid-19 outbreak; and when he plans to make an announcement on future support for those businesses.

The Government has put in place a substantial package of support for businesses worth over £280 billion, which includes loans, tax deferrals, and general and sector-specific grants. It continues to engage with businesses and representative groups, including SMEs, to ensure that the support provided is right for the affected areas and for the economy as a whole.

On 5 January the Government announced one-off grants for businesses of up to £9,000. The Government will continue to ensure businesses are supported in the coming months, as measures to control the virus change, and it will keep all impacts and policies under review. The Chancellor will consider any further decisions on taxation as part of the Budget process.