Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending business rate relief to include angling boats as small businesses.

This question was answered on 13th February 2025

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) is available to businesses with a single property below a set rateable value (RV). Eligible properties with an RV under £12,000 will receive 100 per cent relief and there is also tapered support available to properties valued between £12,000 and £15,000. More information about SBRR can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/small-business-rate-relief

Charitable rates relief provides 80% relief to eligible properties. More information about charitable rates relief can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/charitable-rate-relief

To be considered a rateable hereditament, a boat has to have a sufficient degree of permanence, as defined by case law. Examples include floating restaurants, nightclubs and tourist attractions. Further information on the business rates treatment of boats can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rating-manual-section-6-part-3-valuation-of-all-property-classes/section-670-moorings

At the Autumn Budget, the Government published the ‘Transforming Business Rates’ Discussion Paper, which sets out priority areas for reform. This paper invited stakeholders to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century. As set out in the Discussion Paper, the government is open to receiving written evidence on priority areas.