Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will extend small business rates relief during the covid-19 outbreak to include all small and independent businesses.

Small businesses occupying a property with a rateable value below £15,000 are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). Businesses in receipt of their own business rates assessment and which meet the criteria may be eligible for SBRR and, for those in receipt of the relief, the £10,000 grant.

A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for SBRR, has also been made available.

This includes the Government’s launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank, and the deferral of VAT payments for this quarter.

The Government will keep under review any further financial assistance necessary to help businesses.