Non-Domestic Rates: Small Businesses

Mr. Oaten
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what her most recent estimate is of the rate of take up of relief by small businesses under the small business rate relief scheme; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 April 2008, Official Report, column 319W, to the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Alan Duncan).

Mr. Oaten
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reasons the rate relief available under the small business rate relief scheme is not granted to qualifying businesses automatically; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey
Small Business Rate Relief can be granted to ratepayers who occupy only one business property. Without the application it would be very difficult for the local authority to establish whether a ratepayer occupies more than one property, which is a condition of entitlement to the relief, particularly if that property is located outside of the billing area in which relief is being claimed. Ratepayers certifying that they meet the given criteria then receive the relief.