Local Government Finance

James Morris Excerpts

Wednesday 19th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)]

Order. A lot of Members want to ask questions to the Secretary of State and not make speeches, but at this rate not everybody will be able to participate, because we have urgent business. I would appreciate short, direct questions and short, direct answers, at which I know the Secretary of State is an expert.

[James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)]

While the Secretary of State is dispensing advice, what advice would he give to council tax payers in Halesowen, who are seeing Dudley council spending thousands of pounds on a consultation exercise that calls for council tax rises of up to 4.6%?

[Mr Pickles]

I will watch the council’s progress with interest and our thoughts will be with the council tax payers at the ballot.