Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend the 100 per cent Business Rates Relief discount for a further year to mitigate the ongoing effect of the covid-19 pandemic on businesses and retailers.

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

The Government has provided various schemes to support firms, including wholesalers, including Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, Bounce Back Loans, grants and VAT deferrals.

The Budget will set out the next phase of the Government’s plans to tackle the virus, protect jobs and support business.