Oral Answers to Questions

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts

Monday 17th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I had the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) down for question 2 but, if there has been a change of plan or if I have been misinformed, that is fine.

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

3. What support his Department is giving to local authorities to minimise increases in council tax.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

8. What support his Department is giving to local authorities to minimise increases in council tax.

[The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Shapps)]

The Government are making an extra £650 million per annum available over the next four years to help principal local authorities in England to freeze their council tax in 2011-12, and will take action against excessive increases. The Localism Bill provides for local referendums on excessive council tax rises in future years.

[Harriett Baldwin]

At a time when so many household bills are rising, will the Minister join me in sending congratulations to Wychavon district council and Malvern Hills district council, which have worked so hard to share services and to keep council tax rises down for local residents?

[Grant Shapps]

My hon. Friend is right. In the past week or so since the finance settlement, I have had a procession of council leaders coming to see me, usually with their chief executives, to plead that they have no money left. One came this morning, and notably brought the chief executive who is being paid £180,000. I pay tribute to those local authorities that have taken the necessary steps and are therefore able to take advantage of the council tax freeze.