Lords concludes examination of Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill
9 December 2021
The Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill completed its third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, on Wednesday 8 December.
The bill was granted Royal Assent on Wednesday 15 December 2022 and is now an Act of Parliament (law).
The Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill will clarify matters relating to the pandemic that may not be taken into account when deciding the rateable value of a property on the 2017 rating list, and make it easier to investigate directors of companies that have been dissolved.
Third reading is the chance for members to ‘tidy up' a bill, making any small changes to ensure it is effective.
No changes to the wording of the bill were put forward ahead of third reading. Members discussed the progress of the bill through the House at the conclusion of Lords stages.
Watch and read the debate
Catch up on Parliament TV or read a transcript in Lords Hansard.
Explore further information
Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
What's happened so far?
Report stage: Wednesday 1 December
Members put forward changes (PDF) (amendments) to consider at report stage.
The amendments covered a range of subjects, including:
- whether the changes introduced in the bill will support local authorities, town centres and high streets
- ensuring that the Secretary of State publishes advice to local authorities on the implementation of the bill
- obliging the Secretary of State to make a statement on the impact of the bill on the financial situation of the Insolvency Service.
Catch up on Parliament TV or read a transcript in Lords Hansard.
Commtitee stage: Wednesday 10 November
Committee stage, the first chance to check the bill in detail and make changes, took place in Grand Committee, away from the chamber. Any member can take part and decisions on amendments (changes) can be made but no votes can take place.
Proposed changes
Members put forward changes (PDF) (amendments) to consider at committee stage including the impact of the bill on small businesses and local authorities.
Catch up on Parliament TV or read a transcript in Lords Hansard.
Second reading: Tuesday 19 October
Members discussed the main issues in the bill during the second reading debate.
Following a motion agreed by members on Monday 18 October, this debate took place in Grand Committee, away from the main chamber.
Members speaking
Lord Greenhalgh (Conservative), Minister for Building Safety and Fire, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.
Members speaking in the debate included:
- Baroness Blake of Leeds (Labour), board member of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership
- Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative), former supervisor in law at the London School of Economics.
- Earl of Lytton (Crossbench), chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service
- Baroness Pinnock (Liberal Democrats), vice-president of the Local Government Association and as a member of Kirklees Council.
Find out more about the issues discussed: catch up on Parliament TV or read a transcript in House of Lords Hansard.
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