Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on business rate relief for firms that install external wall insulation on industrial units to reduce energy costs.

The Government is committed to supporting businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their premises, helping to reduce their energy costs. The business rates system already provides certain reliefs and exemptions, including Improvement Relief which provides 12 months of relief for qualifying improvements to a property.

Additionally, a Call for Evidence on business rates and investment closed on 18 February. It asked stakeholders for more detailed evidence on how the business rates system influences investment decisions, with questions on Improvement Relief.

The Government is carefully considering representations it has received, and a response to the Call for Evidence will be published in due course.