Clause 63 - Small business relief
Local Government Bill
3:30 pm
Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold, Conservative)
The hon. Gentleman asked me a technical question, and I gave him what I perceived to be the answer. If I am wrong, no doubt the Minister will tell me so.
I understand from reading the clauses that the small business relief will be funded from the overall pot. That means that the general non-domestic ratepayer will be paying more to compensate for the small business relief. We have received some representations saying that the relief for small businesses should be funded out of a separate pot, because a separate multiplier and provisions are applied to small businesses. Some larger businesses, which do not receive the relief, are aggrieved at having to pay extra to fund small businesses that may be competing with them. It is a question of equity. Will the Minister comment on that issue?
Sitting suspended for a Division in the House.
On resuming—