Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Bloore Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I am always happy to take questions on business rates, even months after the decision set out at the Budget, and I thank the hon. Member for reading out the Labour manifesto. We have made significant changes to business rates by introducing the new lower multiplier for high street businesses so that they can pay a lower tax rate than the largest online giants.

[Chris Bloore (Redditch) (Lab)]

T7. Given that Reform in Worcestershire promised to cut taxes but has instead increased county council tax for Redditch residents by nearly 9%, does the Chancellor agree that at the Redditch borough council elections on 7 May the only way to protect vital local services and keep taxes low is to vote for Redditch Labour candidates?

[Rachel Reeves]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that although Reform-led Worcestershire council said that it would cut taxes, it has instead put them up. That is why I urge people in Redditch and across the country to vote Labour on 7 May.