§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to propose amendments to the regulations governing transitional relief for business rates; and if he will make a statement. [52293]
§ Dr. WhiteheadMy officials have prepared amendments to the regulations in discussion with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation and others. The amendments would allow transitional relief, backdated to 1 April 2000, to certain properties which currently do not qualify because of errors in the old 1995 rating lists. They would also, among other things, extend the period in which ratepayers can appeal against the values in certificates used to calculate rate bills.
The draft regulations were sent to local authorities and others with an interest in rating with an explanatory letter on 14 March. The draft is being finalised in the light of comments received.
Before coming into force amending regulations would first need to be approved by both Houses of Parliament.