Oral Answers to Questions

Tony Baldry Excerpts

Monday 10th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

Having several small brewers in my constituency, I know that they make a huge contribution to the local economy. I am more than willing to have the conversation for which my right hon. Friend has asked.

[Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con)]

7. How many small firms and shops in (a) England and (b) Cherwell district council area have been affected by the reduction in business rates.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

15. How many small firms and shops in (a) England and (b) Dover have been affected by the reduction in business rates.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins)]

Our £1 billion business rates support package includes a £1,000 discount for smaller shops, pubs and restaurants. That will benefit more than 300,000 premises in England, including 430 in Cherwell and 580 in Dover. We are also doubling small business rate relief for a further year, which will benefit about 575,000 businesses, with 385,000 businesses paying no rates at all. That will help 1,100 small businesses in Cherwell, and 1,300 small businesses in Dover.

[Sir Tony Baldry]

Has not the introduction of the business rate retention scheme given local authorities the ability to offer business rate discounts to help attract firms, investment and jobs? Is not the fact that local authorities now directly and locally retain half the business rates a strong incentive for councils to encourage businesses and enterprises to set up in their areas?

[Kris Hopkins]

Councils have a huge responsibility to promote local businesses, whether that involves getting the skill set right or using the discretionary powers that we have given them. I know that businesses and councils, particularly Conservative councils across the country, are responding positively.