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<p>We keep the business rates system under constant review and for the second consecutive
year we have reduced the inflation increase in bills to 2%.</p><p> </p><p>That measure
is part of an extra £650 million of support for 2015-16 bills announced at the 2014
Autumn, bringing the total support of 2013 and 2014 Autumn Statement polices to £1.4
billion. This help also includes:</p><p> </p><ul><li>doubling small business rate
relief for a further year. In England, this means an estimated 400,000 properties
will pay no rates at all, while a further 200,000 properties will benefit from tapered
relief;</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>increasing the temporary discount for shops, pubs
and restaurants with rateable values below £50,000 from £1,000 to £1,500 for 2015-16,
benefitting an estimated 200,000 properties in England; and</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>extending
the existing transitional relief scheme for two years for properties with a rateable
value up to and including £50,000.</li></ul><p> </p><p>These measures are in addition
to previous Autumn Statement measures that continue into 2015-16, including:</p><p>
</p><ul><li>a 50 per cent discount for 18 months to new occupants of vacant shops;</li></ul><p>
</p><ul><li>allowing businesses to keep their small business rate relief for a year
where they take on an additional property;</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>business rates
relief for empty new builds; and</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>allowing businesses to pay
their business rate bills over 12 months, in order to assist with their cash flow.</li></ul><p>
</p><p>Central Government also now funds 50% of any local discount granted.</p><p>
</p><p><br><br>Today the Government also launched the review of business rates aimed
at keeping the system fair, efficient and effective. The Review will report by Budget
2016.</p>
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