Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Kate Green Excerpts
Monday 17th September 2012

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Boles Portrait Nick Boles
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Regulations were drawn up to stop councils using section 106 and the community infrastructure levy to take two bites at the cherry, but we are aware of concern about the position. I know that the hon. Gentleman is better at harrying Ministers than almost anyone else in the House, and I have no doubt that he will continue to harry me, and my officials, to ensure that the CIL supports growth and the infrastructure that underpins it.

Kate Green Portrait Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)
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16. What recent representations he has received from local authorities on his plans for the localisation of council tax benefit.

Brandon Lewis Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis)
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Earlier this year the Government consulted on funding distribution, and we are currently consulting on arrangements for local precepting authorities. We intend to respond to the outcome of both consultations in the autumn.

Kate Green Portrait Kate Green
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(Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, nearly 50% of adults receiving council tax benefit are also receiving a disability-related benefit. What steps will the Minister take to ensure that councils take account of the public sector equality duty in devising localised systems?

Brandon Lewis Portrait Brandon Lewis
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The Government have given some guidelines to local authorities. I shall be happy to provide the hon. Lady with a copy, but obviously we are ensuring that local authorities have the power to decide locally what is right for their communities.