§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 16 October,Official Report, column 166, what transitional arrangements he is proposing in respect of the increases in unified business rates in the west midlands. [41326]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe transition scheme phasing in the effects of the 1995 revaluation, and contained in the Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) Regulations 1994, SI 1994 No. 3279, limits increases in rates bills from one year to the next to 10 per cent. plus inflation. There are tighter limits for small properties—those with rateable values less than £10,000, or £15,000 in Greater London—of 7.5 per cent. plus inflation, or 5 per cent. plus inflation if there is living accommodation on the same premises.