§ Mrs. HumbleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to phase in the effects of the 2000 revaluation on non-domestic rate bills in England. [90495]
§ Ms ArmstrongI fully understand non-domestic ratepayers' concerns about the revaluation and their keenness to know, as early as possible, how they will be affected. They need time to plan ahead. However, we do not yet have complete information about the detailed effects of the revaluation, and will not do so for a while.
We therefore aim to publish in late September a consultation paper outlining options for handling the impact of the revaluation in England. We recognise the need in formulating the proposals for this consultation paper to take account of the views of business organisations. I am therefore convening a consultative forum of national bodies representing business interests to consider this issue and I expect the first meeting to be later this summer.