• Reference: 2019/20596
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

Please provide an update on the current state of development of the Silvertown Quays site in Newham, planning reference 14/01605/OUT. Please break down by all the different use classes, especially Education and Community Use.

• Reference: 2019/20595
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

In MQ 2018/3219 you said, “What businesses in London need is a fundamental review of the business rates system – similar to the Barclay review north of the border – not more short-term fixes alongside devolution of the tax to London government so that we can design a property tax that reflects the capital’s unique circumstances and higher rents.” What changes, if any, would you like to see to the business rates system in London?

• Reference: 2019/20594
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

In MQ 2018/3219 you said, “due to state aid limits major high street, pub and restaurant chains which were very badly hit by the 2017 revaluation in London will not benefit at all”. Can you provide more details on how state aid limits affect a business’ ability to claim the retail discount?

• Reference: 2019/20593
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

The Federation of Small Businesses recommends that the Retail Discount be increased to at least 50%, made permanent and extended to small firms operating in other sectors, including manufacturing. Would you support such a change to the business rates?

• Reference: 2019/20592
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

You could qualify for retail discount on your business rates if your business is a shop, restaurant, café, bar or pub is in England and has a rateable value of less than £51,000. How many businesses currently benefit from this relief? Please break down by borough.

• Reference: 2019/20591
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

In England, councils can reduce your business rates bill with hardship relief, if you would be in financial difficulties without it and giving hardship relief to you is in the interests of local people. How many businesses currently benefit from this relief? Please break down by borough.

• Reference: 2019/20590
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

Charities and community amateur sports clubs can apply for charitable rate relief on their business rates of up to 80% if a property is used for charitable purposes. How many businesses currently benefit from this relief? Please break down by borough.

• Reference: 2019/20589
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

The Federation of Small Businesses recommends that the threshold for Small Business Rates Relief be increased from £12,000 to at least £30,000, given that the threshold has remained largely static in recent years, despite the Rateable Values that determine rates bills surging in many parts of the country, particularly on high streets in large towns and cities. Would you support such a change to the business rates?

• Reference: 2019/20588
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

You can get small business rate relief if your property’s rateable value is less than £15,000 (You will not pay business rates on a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less. For properties with a rateable value of £12,001 to £15,000, the rate of relief will go down gradually from 100% to 0%) and your business only uses one property. How many businesses currently benefit from this relief? Please break down by borough.

• Reference: 2019/20587
• Question by: Onkar Sahota
• Meeting date: 14 November 2019

In accordance with the Mayor’s Health Inequality Strategy, can the Mayor give details on how he has ensured Londoners have access to green spaces and addressed health inequality associated with access to green spaces?