John Whitby
Main Page: John Whitby (Labour - Derbyshire Dales)Department Debates - View all John Whitby's debates with the HM Treasury
(2 days, 21 hours ago)
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Torsten Bell
One thing that has been less focused on in the Budget is that according to business investment figures across the country, we are seeing the highest level of business investment for a decade. Whole-economy investment is now at its highest levels since 1990. I recognise the point the hon. Gentleman raises, and freeports around the country want to know about that. Although the issues he raises are not on the agenda set out for the European summit, I am sure a Minister will be happy to meet him.
John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)
I warmly welcome last week’s announcement that business rates relief will be extended to thousands more cafes and restaurants, alongside further support for pubs. However, businesses such as the Village Green Cafe in Eyam face many of the same pressures as pubs, without benefiting from the additional targeted relief. Will the Chancellor consider what further support can be offered to those vital employers and community hubs to ensure that they are not placed at a competitive disadvantage?