Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to mirror the provision by the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive of business rates relief for one year during the COVID-19 pandemic to airports; and why airports in England and Wales have not yet been included in that scheme.

Business rates and any reliefs are devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance for local authorities in England on eligible properties. As set out in the guidance, support is targeted at premises that are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues; for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation. It is for local authorities to determine eligibility for reliefs, having regard to guidance issued by the Government.

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