§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how increased charges to those businesses that will not qualify for assistance under the proposed rate relief scheme in the Government's Strong Local Leadership-Quality Public Services White Paper, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [46193]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe White Paper proposed a rate relief scheme for small businesses, funded through a small supplement of no more than 2.5 per cent. on the bills of ratepayers not receiving the relief. The scheme will require primary legislation to allow for the relief and to allow for the small upward adjustment in the national rate poundage that will apply to those not receiving relief. The timing of this legislation depends on the availability of parliamentary time.