Oral Answers to Questions

Alison Seabeck Excerpts

Monday 10th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his work to promote Deal high street, which has been a tremendous success. Most recently, Deal topped the polls as Britain’s best coastal town as voted for by readers of The Daily Telegraph. The instinct of the Labour party is to tax businesses, ours is to encourage and grow local businesses by offering tax breaks.

[Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab)]

Will the Minister explain who sets the business rates?

[Kris Hopkins]

Local authorities have been given the opportunity to shape their tax base.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Pickles]

As my hon. and learned Friend will recall, I made a statement to the House last week, and we are currently waiting to hear what the mayor has to say in response to the report. As the House will recall, I asked for two specific undertakings regarding the disposal of property. We have received those undertakings, and I hope to make an announcement very soon.

[Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab)]

T5. I draw the House’s attention to my indirect interest, which I frequently make public in this place.When will the Secretary of State act to save roughly £500 million of public money over 10 years by giving registered housing providers the same powers as local authorities to enter properties to carry out essential gas safety checks, as supported by the Association of Gas Safety Managers?

[Brandon Lewis]

I am discussing this matter with the industry, and I will continue to do so and inform the House once we have finished those conversations.