LGA responds to new £1.5 billion business rates relief fund

“We are pleased the Government will provide councils with funding to offer grant relief to businesses which have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and seen their circumstances change due to the effects of the pandemic."


Responding to the Treasury announcement of a new £1.5 billion business rates relief fund, Cllr Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Resources Board, said:

“The Government is continuing to provide a significant package of business rates relief to help businesses through the pandemic. 

“Not all businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are covered by the reliefs announced up to this point and may struggle to pay business rates amid the ongoing economic fall-out of the pandemic.

“We are pleased the Government will provide councils with funding to offer grant relief to businesses which have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and seen their circumstances change due to the effects of the pandemic. Confirmation that this relief will be an alternative to any adjustments to rateable values as a result of the change in circumstances arising from the pandemic also provides much-needed certainty to councils.

“It will be important that this funding is kept under review to ensure it is enough to meet demand and that the legislation and guidance is published as soon as possible so that councils can set up schemes and ensure the new funding reaches businesses as soon as possible. It will also be important to ensure that, in line with normal procedure, any new burdens due to administrative or IT costs are covered by government."