Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will bring forward proposals to reduce the level of business rates on small shopkeepers of Beckenham constituency.

The government has taken significant action to reduce the burden of business rates on small shopkeepers across all areas in England. For 2015-16, the Small Business Rate Relief will be doubled supporting 575,000 businesses and the retail discount will increase from £1,000 to £1,500 for 300,000 shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes with a rateable value of £50,000 or below. Further, the 2% business rates multiplier cap will continue in 2015-16 for all ratepayers.