Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend Business Rates Relief for at least 12 months after the final covid-19 lockdown is eased.

This year the Government has provided a business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties due to the direct adverse effects of COVID-19, worth about £10 billion, and has frozen the business rates multiplier for all businesses for 2021-22.

The Government is considering options for further COVID-19 related support through business rates reliefs. 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.