NHS hospitals hit by crippling rate hikes as private hospitals save millions in ‘charitable’ tax breaks

‘Private hospitals are enjoying a £52m tax break on their business rates bill through their charitable status while NHS hospitals are facing crippling hikes, research has revealed.
More than one in four – 27 per cent – of all private hospitals are estimated to be registered as charities and can receive rate relief of 80 per cent, according to figures compiled for the Press Association by business rent and rates specialists CVS.
It calculates this tax perk will save private hospitals in England and Wales £51.9m in business rates over the next five years, slashing the £241.4m they would otherwise be expected to pay.
But this comes as cash-strapped NHS hospitals are being hit with a £1.83bn rates bill over the next five years.
Changes to the business rates system that came into effect in April mean that NHS hospitals in England and Wales will see their annual rates soar by 21 per cent over the next five years, placing yet more strain on the creaking national health service.’
Read more: NHS hospitals hit by crippling rate hikes as private hospitals save millions in ‘charitable’ tax breaks