Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Margot James and Caroline Johnson

Tuesday 31st January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

17. What steps he is taking to support the self-employed.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Margot James)]

The gov.uk website and the business support helpline provide information on starting and running a business. Growth hubs also provide access to local and national support. Some 4.8 million people are currently self-employed.

--- Later in debate ---

[Margot James]

The Treasury has no plans specifically for shared work spaces, but at the last Budget, the Chancellor announced £6.7 billion of cuts to benefit all business rate payers. They include permanently doubling small business rate relief and increasing the thresholds from 2017.

[Dr Caroline Johnson]

Will my hon. Friend tell us how the industrial strategy will support disabled people who want to start and grow their own businesses?

[Margot James]

The disabled employment programme is an important part of our work in labour markets, and it is backed by many top retailers. We will continue to press this issue and work with the Department for Work and Pensions for greater access to work for people with disabilities.