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Written question asked by David Anderson (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 January 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 January 2017. It was answered by Marcus Jones (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 February 2017 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Health Services: Non-domestic Rates

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the reasons are for business rate relief (a) being provided to private health companies and (b) not being provided to publicly funded health services.

Answer

Any healthcare provider which is a charity and using their property wholly or mainly for charitable purposes will be entitled to 80% mandatory rate relief. Charities in the healthcare sector make an important contribution to our society and it is right they should benefit from mandatory rate relief.

NHS properties, like almost all other buildings occupied by public bodies, have been subject to non-domestic rates since they were introduced. Operational costs related to property are taken into account at spending reviews in determining the overall level of funding for the NHS.

A £3.6 billion transitional relief scheme will provide support for the minority of properties which face an increase in rates as a result of the 2017 revaluation, and applies equally to public bodies such as the NHS.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
61561
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Health services Private sector Business rates
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk