§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of national non-domestic rates. [7347]
§ M. RaynsfordWe have said in our Manifesto that there are sound democratic reasons why business rates should be set locally. We are currently considering the options to achieve this. No changes will be made until we have fully consulted businesses, local authorities and other interested parties.