Helen Goodman
Main Page: Helen Goodman (Labour - Bishop Auckland)(11 years, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Mr Pickles
What came out from the letter and the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak, who apparently meets the odd poor person at some of his surgeries, is that most of those authorities have done the odd thing on joint working or procurement, but I am talking about a much more fundamental realignment of local government services. I am looking not just at the back office, but at the front office. There have been far too many instances in the north-west of really good deals being turned down because people were concerned about the badge on the side of the van. I am therefore looking to the hon. Lady to show some leadership.
Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)
Will the Secretary of State share with the House his estimate of the value of the business rate retention in Durham and its value in Westminster?
Mr Pickles
Westminster will make a considerable contribution to the levy so that money goes directly to Durham. Money from Westminster will go directly to Durham, so if Westminster does very well—as it will—Durham will benefit.