§ Lord Ponsonby of Shulbredeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will change the way in which non-domestic rate debt is enforced following the recent changes to council tax debt collection procedures. [HL2156]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (Baroness Hayman)Many of those who responded to our consultation exercise on council tax debt collection expressed the view that similar changes should be made to the non-domestic rating regime. We have decided that, where appropriate, the non-domestic collection and enforcement regulations should be brought into line with those for council tax. We have published a consultation paper,Changes to the enforcement and levying of distress for non-domestic rate debts, setting out our proposals.
It is important that local authorities pursue unpaid business rates rigorously. At the same time, the system needs to operate as fairly as possible for ratepayers. Debtors need to be aware what the procedures are and why they are being pursued for payment. The changes we are proposing will make the system clearer and more effective.
A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the Library of the House.