Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of enabling councils and local authorities in England to require businesses to pay all business rates in advance.

The government has not assessed the merits of requiring businesses to pay in advance. Typically, councils will bill in ten monthly instalments, but ratepayers can request to make twelve monthly payments to help businesses spread the cost. Ratepayers can also choose to pay their bill annually, should they wish to. This supports the flow of funding to local government and contributes towards the cost of local services.