Local Government Finance Bill

Debate between John McDonnell and Graham Stringer

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is making an important point. I have always found local government slightly more complicated than quantum mechanics.

[John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab)]

Only slightly?

[Graham Stringer]

Well, a lot more complicated. Does my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington North (Helen Jones) agree that the last time a Conservative Government had a major reorganisation of local government finance, they ended up putting VAT up for ever and costing the country £20 billion per year?