Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local authorities have paid English Language Schools Business Rate Relief; what discussions he has had with representatives from local authorities that have not paid that relief, and if he will make a statement.

The Department does not hold information on the number of local authorities that have granted business rates relief in respect of particular types of properties.

The Department published guidance on the expanded retail discount on 25 March 2020. The guidance states that eligible properties are those used as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues; those used by visiting members of the public for assembly and leisure; or hotels, guest & boarding premises and self-catering accommodation. It is for local authorities to decide whether properties, including English language schools, fall within these categories.