Alliance calls for urgent action on business rates for English nurseries as Welsh government announces relief extension

Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said:

"While we recognise that business rates are only one piece of the puzzle and do not affect all early years providers, there is no doubt that both extending business rate relief beyond March 2022 and increasing it back up to 100% would give some much some much-needed breathing space to eligible providers at what is still an incredibly difficult time for many settings. 

"If the Scottish and Welsh governments can recognise the need for such action, then there is no reason that policymakers in England cannot do the same. 

"As such, we urge the government to use the upcoming Spending Review to announce the extension of business rate relief rates for all eligible early years settings – or better still, a permanent exemption for the sector – alongside much-needed wider early years funding reforms."