Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons mortgage consultancy firms do not qualify for the same treatment in respect of business rates relief as estate agents during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.

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

The Government has launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms continue to keep people in employment, as well as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank. The Government is also deferring VAT payments for this quarter.