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Lord Sikka (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 16 September 2026

Debate

Business Rates Avoidance Schemes

Contribution

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. After claiming empty property relief, some businesses place empty boxes in premises to give the appearance of occupation, subsequently removing them to trigger an additional period of relief. One scheme operated by Principled Offsite Logistics Ltd has deprived councils of £500 million of business rates. Can the Minister ensure that business rates avoidance receives the same priority as tax avoidance and will the Government publish an annual estimate of the revenues lost, require registration of all business rates avoidance schemes and prosecute the enablers?

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