§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers exist to reduce(a) business rents and (b) business rates; and if he will make a statement. [19861]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThere are no powers to intervene in the setting of business rents.
I take it that in referring to powers to reduce business rates, the hon. Member refers to powers to vary the rates payable by individual ratepayers or groups of ratepayers 635W rather than to the national systems for determining the National Non-Domestic Rate and for giving transitional relief. Local authorities have powers to reduce the bills of certain ratepayers; relief may be granted to charities, non-profit making bodies and ratepayers suffering hardship provided that the relevant criteria are met. Charities have their rates bills reduced by statute provided that certain conditions are met; as do those liable for rates in respect of empty property. From 1 April 1998 relief will also become available to certain village shops.