Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 8 November 2016.
Three things—I would expect most businesses to see a reduction in their rateable value, if only for the fact that the last valuation took place in 2008, before, of course, the world economic crisis that occurred after that. Secondly, however, of course, our small business rate relief scheme will continue to reach more businesses—a greater percentage of businesses—than is the case in England. And, thirdly, we are putting in place a transitional relief scheme—£10 million of new money—which will help those businesses that are looking at substantial rises in their rates, following the valuation. One thing I should add, of course, businesses, if they feel that they have been over-valued, should contact the Valuation Office Agency as quickly as possible in order to raise their concerns.