Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Zoos: Costs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the cumulative impact of increases in (a) business rates, (b) wages, (c) energy costs and (d) animal feed costs on zoological collections.

Answer

The Department for Business and Trade has not made an assessment on the cumulative impact of these costs on zoological collections.

The Government is committed to supporting businesses and charities. To do so, the Government is introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. This includes zoos and aquariums with rateable values below £500,000 that are open to members of the public. These new tax rates are worth nearly £900 million per year, and will benefit over 750,000 properties.

The Government published their full Impact Assessment for the 2026 rates, outlining the potential effects that increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage may have on businesses.

As well, Ofgem has launched a Cost Allocation Recovery Review to consider how energy system costs can be recovered from consumers, including businesses, in a fairer and more efficient way in the future energy system.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109070
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Costs Animal feed Energy Pay Business rates Zoos
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk