Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Ellis and Lord Stunell

Monday 30th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stunell]

First, may I thank the hon. Gentleman for his support for our localising the council tax benefit? Secondly, I do not recognise or accept that figure. If he looks at the impact assessment, he will see that he has grossly overstated the facts. In fact, the average weekly reduction in support will be £2.64 per household. I believe that is the right figure to be quoting in the House, not the one that he chose to use.

[Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con)]

Council tax more than doubled under Labour, whereas the coalition has funded a council tax freeze for two years in a row. I support this Government’s localism agenda. Does the Minister agree that it will be fairer for the general population as a whole under the current Government’s scheme?

[Andrew Stunell]

Yes I do. I would make the point that with localism comes the capacity of local authorities to fine-tune the schemes in their areas to suit their local circumstances, and I would encourage local authorities to start to do that.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Ellis and Lord Stunell

Thursday 25th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stunell]

The hon. Gentleman is quite right that the picture is very complex. That is why when the settlement comes, he will see that the Government have responded to the points he has raised.

[Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con)]

9. What steps he is taking to reduce the number of squatters.