Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Abolition of Business Rates

12 January 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

TaxationBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kevin Hollinrake raised concerns about abolition of business rates in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Proposes to abolish business rates entirely and replace the revenue with a small increase in VAT.
  • Emphasises that current business rates were designed for an era when businesses were predominantly high street-based.
  • Argues that a VAT increase would immediately level the playing field without adding bureaucracy or burden on businesses.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

Proposes to abolish business rates completely, replacing the revenue with a small increase in VAT. Emphasises that business rates were designed for an outdated era when businesses were predominantly high street-based. Argues that online sales tax would only partially level the playing field and could be too blunt an instrument. Suggests scrapping business rates entirely and applying a small VAT increase, thereby immediately levelling the playing field without additional bureaucracy or burden on business.

Other contributors (1)
  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    Proposes to abolish business rates and replace them with a small VAT increase. Argues that this would level the playing field between online businesses and high street retailers, addressing issues of rent and rates disproportionately affecting high street businesses compared to their online counterparts.

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