Lords debates Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill

The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill contains a range of measures that will allow HM Treasury to:

• introduce lower non-domestic rating multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties
• introduce higher multipliers for large companies whose properties exceed £500,000
• remove the rate relief from private schools registered as charities.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics in the bill and draw attention to concerns or specific areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed. 

Members speaking

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government. 

Contributing members who took part includes:

• Baroness Barran (Conservative), former government minister for the school system and head of grant development for New Philanthropy Capital
• Lord Fox (Liberal Democrats), vice-president of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce
• Earl of Lytton (Crossbench), former chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service
• Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative), board member, trustee and associated company director of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools

Opening the debate, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said:

'Our intention through this bill is to introduce two new lower multipliers. One multiplier offers a tax cut for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value of between £51,000 and £499,999 that currently pay the standard non-domestic rating multiplier.'

'The other new multiplier will provide a tax cut for retail, hospitality and leisure properties paying the small business non-domestic rating multiplier—that is, those with a rateable value of less than £51,000.'

Baroness Barran said:

'If the bill becomes law without amendment, it will give the government powers to set business rates multipliers without clarity on how those powers will impact on businesses.'

How to follow

• Catch up on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript  

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled for 24 February.

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