"My noble friend raises a point on a similar theme. From my experience of working with the business rates retention pilot back in the day, I know that the most important thing is that we get the right partners around the table in those localities. The businesses and enterprises that …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"The noble Lord and I have worked together on many occasions in the past. That is entirely in his remit, and that is why this is not being imposed. It will be a devolved matter. Local mayors and strategic authorities can make their own decisions. That is the fundamental point …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"My understanding is that the Edinburgh scheme is relatively new. It was introduced this summer and the estimate is that it has raised £50 million. We will be looking carefully at Edinburgh’s experience. It has not reported any decrease in visitor numbers, and we expect a positive programme of how …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"I am absolutely convinced that Mayor Rotheram knows what is best for his local area. He is a passionate advocate of everything to do with Liverpool. Liverpool and Manchester have already introduced a flat-rate levy at the behest of the business community in their areas. It is the businesses that …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"The noble Lord raises an important point. It is about putting trust in local areas to work with their local partners and business community to make sure that the benefit comes back into those areas to help promote tourism. We are committed to supporting the tourism industry. I reassure the …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"There is no intention for the funds raised to be squandered, but a ring-fenced approach smacks of centralism. It is critical that local areas can determine their needs. I come from an area that has benefited enormously from investment in cultural and sporting events that have brought huge benefits, not …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"My Lords, if that was the intention behind the levy, I would have something to say. I am delighted to tell the noble Lord that there will be exemptions. For example, we have many places that have big hospitals where parents or relatives have to stay, so there will be …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"It is fair to say that we do not recognise the figures that UKHospitality has put out. We have been working with it incredibly closely through the consultation and will continue to do so. This is a vital part of our economy and we are here to give the support …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Pinnock, for bringing this Private Member’s Bill to the House on all these important issues, and I thank all those who have contributed for their very thoughtful and sensitive contributions. The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives, was …..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech
"That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 2 July be approved. Considered in Grand Committee on 2 September..." Baroness Blake of Leeds - View Speech