§ 10. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to return control of business rates to local authorities. [47630]
§ Ms ArmstrongOur recent consultation paper "Modernising local government: Business rates" contained a proposal for a local supplement on the business rate. The consultation period finished on 1 June. We are now considering the many responses we have received. We shall announce our conclusions in a White Paper to be published this summer.
§ 11. Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he intends to take in order to protect small businesses from disproportionate increases in non-domestic rates; and if he will make a statement. [47631]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordOur consultation paper, "Modernising Local Government: Business Rates" looked at options for giving local authorities a measure of local discretion over the business rates, but made it clear that any local arrangements would contain safeguards against authorities increasing rates disproportionately. It also invited views on whether we should change the rating system to limit the rates bills of small businesses. We are currently considering responses to the consultation paper and will announce our conclusions in a White Paper to be published later this year.
§ 16. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on local business rates. [47636]
§ Mr. RaynsfordOur recent consultation paper "Modernising Local Government: Business Rates" contained a proposal for a local supplement on the business rate. The consultation period finished on 1 June. We are now considering the many responses we have received. We shall announce our conclusions in a White Paper to be published this summer.