Local Growth White Paper

Clive Betts Excerpts

Thursday 28th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

The hon. Gentleman highlights briefly and eloquently why the RDA structure just did not work. As I recall, it was designed during the war to allow for the division of aerodromes; it had absolutely nothing to do with simple economic geography. The structure that he describes is a vast improvement.

[Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab)]

I have real concerns about the Secretary of State’s over-simplistic comments on housing and planning. It might surprise him to hear, however, that by page 8 of his statement I found something with which I might be able to agree. He said that local business rate retention will be considered, but will he confirm that that involves the consideration not merely of local authorities being able to keep marginal increases in business rates, but of the complete localisation of business rates, so that once again local authorities are able to control the majority of their resources? If he is prepared to confirm that, and subject to how it is done, he might find some cross-party support on that particular issue.

[Vince Cable]

I am glad that I have, because that is indeed exactly what we are considering, albeit with appropriate protections for business.