Business Rates Small Companies 2020-05-18

2020-05-18

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Q1 Direct Answer
Cat Smith Lab
Lancaster and Fleetwood
Context
Discussions on the number of small companies that pay business rates collectively through landlords.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the number of small companies paying business rates collectively through landlords that have been able to access cash grants through local authorities during the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government have recently allocated up to an additional £617 million to local authorities to enable them to give grants to businesses excluded from existing schemes. That will enable many thousands of businesses in the situation described by the hon. Member to receive cash grants. The hon. Lady makes a reasonable point. We are monitoring the effectiveness of all these schemes, and the way that local authorities are using their discretion in giving out those grants, but this is a matter that we will continue to examine carefully.
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