Lords completes check of business rates revaluation bill
10 March 2021
The Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill had its third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, on Tuesday 9 March.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No. 2) Bill
- Explore the Lords Library briefing
- What is third reading?
No changes to the wording of the bill were suggested ahead of third reading.
Members discussed the passage of the bill through the House at its conclusion of Lords stages.
As both Houses have now agreed the text of the bill, it awaits the Queens formal approval, the final stage of Royal Assent, when it will become an Act of Parliament (law).
A date for Royal Assent is yet to be scheduled.
Report stage: Monday 1 March
Members discussed annual rates revaluation, plus the impact of revaluation timing on amateur sports clubs and those providing facilities for physical recreation or cultural activities.
Committee stage: Thursday 4 January
Members discussed a range of topics, including the need for government to work closely with the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities, appeal waiting lists and impact of the timing of the rates revaluation on businesses.
The committee stage of this bill took place in Grand Committee, away from the chamber. In Grand Committee, any member can take part and decisions on amendments (changes) can be made but no votes can take place.
Second reading: Monday 18 January
The Non Domestic Rating (Lists) (No.2) Bill had its second reading, the key debate on the draft law's purpose and principles, on Monday 18 January.
Lords News: Lords debates non-domestic ratings bills
Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill
This bill aims to implement commitments made by the Government on 21 July 2020 to ensure the next business rates revaluation takes effect from 1 April 2023.
This replaces previous legislation seeking to bring revaluation forward to April 2021, which was not progressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new revaluation will be based on property values as of 1 April 2021 so that it better reflects the impact of COVID-19.
The Bill also moves the latest date by which draft rateable values must be published, from 30 September to 31 December preceding the new list coming into force, in both England and Wales.
Image: Johny Green / PA