Neil Carmichael
Main Page: Neil Carmichael (Conservative - Stroud)Local Government Finance
Neil Carmichael Excerpts
Mr Pickles
My hon. Friend absolutely sums up the case for this change. It will ensure that local authorities enjoy the benefits of growth and that they will be in a position to generate more income directly by their actions.
Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)
Does the Secretary of State agree that linking increased yield of business rates to the activities and performance of councils really will help economic growth, particularly when localism too is thrown into the mix?
Mr Pickles
My hon. Friend makes an interesting point. By itself, this change to the way in which the business rate is collected and distributed would not bring about the necessary change. It is only when it is combined with the full effect of the Localism Bill, particularly the power of general competence, that its full importance can be felt.