Written question asked by Anne Campbell (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 March 2005. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 March 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to introduce rate relief for small businesses. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mrs. Anne Campbell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to introduce rate relief for small businesses. [221857] Mr. Raynsford: From 1 April 2005 over 400,000 small businesses will be eligible to receive small business rate relief. This will be a significant benefit to many small businesses for whom business rates can represent a disproportionate burden. Under the new relief scheme, those businesses occupying single main premises with a rateable value below £10,000 are likely to qualify for some reduction in their rates bill, rising to a 50 per cent. rebate for those with rateable values below £5,000. All those small businesses which believe they may qualify should be encouraged to apply for this relief and we have made provision for this by informing all rate payers of the relief in their rates bill.

Secondary information