Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Friday 5th June 2020

Business rates relief is targeted at the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors given the acute impacts of COVID-19 on them. A range of other measures to support healthcare businesses are available.

The Government is mindful of the severe impact felt by the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors from recent events, and it is right to offer them exceptional assistance to meet the crisis. On the 17 March the Chancellor announced a business rates holiday for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, irrespective of rateable value, so that all eligible businesses will pay no business rates for 12 months. This unprecedented action is expected to provide almost £10 billion in business rates relief in 2020-21. This year over half of all properties in England will pay no business rates.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance for Local Authorities on the implementation of the business rates holiday for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. This includes definitions of properties that will benefit from the relief, though it is for individual Local Authorities to make decisions on eligibility for the relief in their own area based on this guidance. This guidance is available online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-rates-retail-discount-guidance

The Government is keenly aware that COVID-19, and the extraordinary measures that have been taken to prevent its spread, present an unprecedented challenge for businesses in many sectors, and has sympathy with all those affected. However, there are no plans for the immediate change to the guidance or the scope of reliefs. If any businesses have difficulties paying their business rates bills, they should be encouraged to contact their local authority to discuss whether other support may be available.

Any healthcare practice may already benefit from Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) where they are occupying a single property with a rateable value below £15,000. Businesses in receipt of SBRR may also be eligible for the £10,000 Small Business grant. You can find more information on grants here: https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder

NHS England has issued guidance for dentists holding or working on NHS contracts, which is clear that dentists will be fully remunerated for the NHS work they would have otherwise undertaken during the pandemic, subject to some basic requirements. This guidance applies to dentists working on wholly NHS contracts and those working on a mix of NHS and private contracts. NHS England has published a series of guidance which sets out that dental practices can also access wider Treasury support for their private dental earnings. The latest guidance, issued on 15 April, can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/dental-practice/

A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, have also been made available. You can find more information on the package of support for businesses here: www.businesssupport.gov.uk.

HM Treasury

Parliamentary Debate

This petition has reached the threshold for a Parliamentary debate, but the debate has not been held.