Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the ability of wholesalers to remain financially viable without business rates relief in the context of the second covid-19 lockdown.
The Government has provided Local Authorities with £1.1billion across England via the Additional Restrictions Grant, for businesses which are not legally closed, but which are severely affected by local or national restrictions.
Local Authorities have discretion on how to use this funding to support businesses in their areas, but the Government encourages them to set up discretionary grant schemes to support businesses such as wholesalers which can remain open, but which are nonetheless severely affected by the enhanced COVID-19 restrictions.
All business rates reliefs in England will be considered through the business rates review.
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.