Non Domestic Rating Bill returns to the Lords

The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill contains a range of measures that will allow HM Treasury to:

• introduce lower non-domestic rating multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties
• introduce higher multipliers for large companies whose properties exceed £500,000
• remove the rate relief from private schools registered as charities.

'Ping pong'

The bill was considered by the House of Lords between 16 January and 24 March 2025 before returning to the House of Commons. This started the process of the bill moving between the Houses, known as parliamentary 'ping pong'.

The first round of 'ping pong' took place on Wednesday 26 March.

During the final round of 'ping pong' on Tuesday 1 April, members of the Lords considered further changes (PDF) made by MPs in the Commons in regard to previous Lords amendments and agreed to accept them.

Catch up

• Watch on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill, it will receive Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament (law).

Royal Assent is is scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 April.

What's happened so far?

Consideration of Commons' amendments day one: 26 March

On Wednesday 26 March, members of Lords considered previous changes (PDF) made by MPs in the first round of 'ping pong'. 

Lords votes

There were four divisions (votes) on proposed changes to the bill.

Three of these were suggested as alternatives to previous changes rejected by the Commons. These were on:

• Healthcare provider exemptions
• Exemptions for flagship stores in shopping centres and retail parks
• Retail services based in warehouses.

A fourth vote was on the restoration of previous amendments regarding parliamentary approval of future regulations.

Members voted to approve all four of the proposed and restored amendments.

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Third reading

A chance for members to ‘tidy up' the bill, making small changes to ensure it is effective, took place during third reading on Monday 24 March.

Report stage

Further detailed examination of the bill took place during report stage on Tuesday 18 March.

Committee stage

Line-by-line examination of the bill took place during committee stage on Thursday 27 February and Monday 24 February.

Second reading

Second reading, the main debate on the key principles and main purpose of the draft law, took place on Wednesday 29 January.

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