Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to include medical premises such as dental practices in the (a) business rate relief and (b) loan and grant scheme that has been announced to tackle the economic effect of covid-19.

At present properties providing medical services, including dental practices, are not eligible for the business rates Expanded Retail Discount.

Information on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which launched on Monday 23 March, is available on the British Business Bank’s website. Medical premises may be eligible for small business grant funding of £10,000 where the property is eligible for small business rate relief.

The Government stands ready to provide further financial support to businesses and individuals as necessary.