Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Eric Illsley (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Business Rate Revaluation

Question: Independent petrol station retailers in my constituency are also facing huge increases in their business rates from 1 April. Although I agree with the need for an independent valuer, there appears to be no right of appeal against these revaluations until they are put in place from 1 April. Will my right hon. Friend look at that again and provide some form of redress for these retailers?

Answer: There is a right of appeal. What is more, I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the £2 billion transitional scheme that has been put in place. It is always the case, every five years, that the independent revaluation of business rates produces winners and losers. That is why we have a transitional relief scheme that means that the impact on rates bills can be no more than 11 per cent. next year and just 3.5 per cent. for small businesses. There is protection alongside the ability to appeal that my hon. Friend seeks.

Secondary information