Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kris Hopkins and Tony Baldry

Monday 15th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

That is a pertinent question, and a new booklet has just been published that demonstrates how Conservative councils are leading the way in saving money and driving up services. I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets a copy.

[Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con)]

In every one of the four years in which I was a Minister at the Department for the Environment, we were told by the Opposition that our local government spending settlement would lead to the end of civilisation as we know it. Somehow local government continued and civilisation continued. Does my hon. Friend think that if local government manages better and cuts waste, it should be able to deal with an average 2.9% reduction in spending in 2014-15 without any serious hit on services?

[Kris Hopkins]

My right hon. Friend is right. Businesses out there face these reductions and challenges all the time, and local authorities have risen to the challenge and are delivering good services, which are rated highly by the public—despite the challenges out there. We have faced difficult circumstances as a consequence of the previous Labour Government who drove the economy into the ground. Local government is responding to the challenge of addressing those needs.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kris Hopkins and Tony Baldry

Monday 10th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

Having several small brewers in my constituency, I know that they make a huge contribution to the local economy. I am more than willing to have the conversation for which my right hon. Friend has asked.

[Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con)]

7. How many small firms and shops in (a) England and (b) Cherwell district council area have been affected by the reduction in business rates.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

15. How many small firms and shops in (a) England and (b) Dover have been affected by the reduction in business rates.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins)]

Our £1 billion business rates support package includes a £1,000 discount for smaller shops, pubs and restaurants. That will benefit more than 300,000 premises in England, including 430 in Cherwell and 580 in Dover. We are also doubling small business rate relief for a further year, which will benefit about 575,000 businesses, with 385,000 businesses paying no rates at all. That will help 1,100 small businesses in Cherwell, and 1,300 small businesses in Dover.

[Sir Tony Baldry]

Has not the introduction of the business rate retention scheme given local authorities the ability to offer business rate discounts to help attract firms, investment and jobs? Is not the fact that local authorities now directly and locally retain half the business rates a strong incentive for councils to encourage businesses and enterprises to set up in their areas?

[Kris Hopkins]

Councils have a huge responsibility to promote local businesses, whether that involves getting the skill set right or using the discretionary powers that we have given them. I know that businesses and councils, particularly Conservative councils across the country, are responding positively.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kris Hopkins and Tony Baldry

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

This Government have invested some £4.1 million into tackling rogue landlords. We have received a number of thank you letters from people on the Labour side, which is not in line with what the hon. Gentleman is saying. The Government are ensuring that tenants have decent homes. We support tenants and are not afraid of taking on rogue landlords.

[Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con)]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Cherwell district council is willing to discuss with him the possibility of Bicester becoming a new garden city? Work has started on the eco town and the redundant Ministry of Defence land. It is probably one of the largest house building areas in south-east England, and we are certainly willing to enter into constructive dialogue about a new garden city with the Secretary of State.