Rewiring the State

Debate between Ayoub Khan and Louise Haigh

Wednesday 2nd September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for allowing me to be clear about this issue. The Prime Minister made clear his intention around business rates very early in his premiership, including on cutting business rates for pubs and hospitality and businesses that really benefit our high streets. Where we are proposing devolution is for business rates retention, encouraging areas to grow their economy and then enjoy a share of that. They will not have any difference in altering the level of business rates, but they will be incentivised and be able to keep a share of them.

[Ayoub Khan (Birmingham Perry Barr) (Ind)]

I congratulate the First Secretary on her post and appreciate the work the Government are doing on extreme weather. In my constituency last week, more than 60 families were left devastated by rainfall and flooding. I appreciate the £65 million that is being offered to farmers and the £100 million for emergency services, but will the First Secretary meet me and Birmingham city council to see what package could be offered to support those 60 families and to prevent a repeat of what took place last week?