This government bill would enable changes to the business rates regime. It would allow the introduction of additional business rate multipliers to increase business rates for larger properties and reduce business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, and the removal of charitable rate relief from some private schools that are charities.
Non Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 61 of 2024–25 (365 KB , PDF)
The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill is a government bill that was introduced in the House of Commons on 13 November 2024. The bill completed all its House of Commons stages unamended on 15 January 2025.
The bill would give effect to two policy commitments made by the government relating to non-domestic rating (commonly known as ‘business rates’):
The new business rates multipliers will first be calculated in respect of the 2026/27 financial year, with the levels to be announced at the autumn 2025 budget. The removal of charitable rate relief from private schools will take effect from the 2025/26 financial year.
The government intends that these measures will deliver the chancellor’s commitment in the 2024 autumn budget to provide long-term support to high streets, raise revenue to support the public finances and help deliver the government’s commitments relating to education and young people.
During its House of Commons stages, the bill was opposed by the Conservatives, Reform and the Liberal Democrats. Critics of the bill argued that new business rates multipliers would raise taxes for businesses on average, compared to the situation at present, and that the removal of charitable rate relief from private schools would increase pressure on the state school system and negatively impact some children’s education.
Non Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 61 of 2024–25 (365 KB , PDF)
Music forms part of the national curriculum up to key stage three. Recent statistics show increases in GCSE music entries in summer 2025 compared to the previous academic year, but there has also been a drop in A-level entries in the same period. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the quality of music provision in schools and the difficulties faced by children from more deprived areas in accessing music education.
The Government’s ‘green book’ is guidance on how to appraise public sector policies, programmes and projects. In January 2025, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced a review of the green book. The review’s conclusions were published in June 2025 and are designed to improve the effectiveness of public sector appraisal. The Treasury will release an updated green book in early 2026.
The UK crafts sector encompasses a range of artisan activities that depend on expert hand skills. Official statistics show that crafts account for a relatively small share of economic activity and employment, although these estimates may understate the sector’s actual contributions. Crafts are supported by public funding and are being preserved and passed on through a variety of initiatives. However, the sector faces structural, economic and cultural challenges.
