Member

In that context, I do not think it would be fair on businesses if we exempted from the higher multiplier public sector properties such as universities or local authority buildings. The immunity of the Crown from business rates was removed almost 25 years ago. Since then, all of the public sector has been on the same footing as business. Paying the same rate bills as businesses helps ensure that the public sector makes efficient use of its property, and this is a principle we should retain.