Whilst we support the Bill, we would like clarification from the Government that billing authorities will continue to have sole responsibility for the collection of business rates.
Key messages
- The Non-Domestic Rating (Preparation for Digital Services) Bill 2017-19 seeks to provide HMRC with the power to incur expenditure on the design of a new digital service which will link councils’ business rates systems with HMRC’s digital tax accounts.
- Whilst we support the Bill, we would like clarification from the Government that billing authorities will continue to have sole responsibility for the collection of business rates.
- Under the legislation businesses will be able to manage their rate payments digitally alongside their other taxes. This Bill is required in order to give HMRC the lead role in designing the new service.
Download the full briefing
Non-Domestic Rating (Preparation for Digital Services) Bill 2017-19, Second Reading, House of Commons, 13 May 2019