§ Mr. PriskTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of increases in stamp duty land tax on her policy for rural economic regeneration and diversification; and if she will make a statement. [135610]
§ Ruth KellyI have been asked to reply.
The Government has introduced disadvantaged areas relief which provides an exemption from stamp duty land tax for transactions in non-residential land in Enterprise Areas, including some rural areas. This will provide a major boost to businesses investing in commercial premises, including agricultural premises, in those areas.
In addition the changes I announced on 20 October to the structure for charging Stamp Duty Land Tax on the rental element of new leases will assist small and medium-sized enterprises such as smaller farms.