Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future cost of business rates; and what plans they have to support businesses to afford any increase in those rates.

As part of its package to support businesses affected by COVID-19, the Government has provided a business rates holiday for eligible properties in retail, hospitality and leisure, worth £10 billion this year.

The Government has also postponed the next business rates revaluation until April 2023, in order to ensure that the revaluation better reflects the impact of COVID-19.

In addition, HM Treasury is conducting a fundamental review of business rates and invites stakeholders to contribute their views on all elements of the business rates system, including any future reliefs.