Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Tuesday 15th March 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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I think that my hon. Friend is right to raise the issue of red tape regulation, as it can strangle businesses. That is why we are proud that, in the previous Government, we made a £10 billion cut in red tape for businesses and we are committed to make a further £10 billion cut, which I know that he welcomes.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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Small and medium-sized enterprises in York are struggling to be competitive. With the cuts to local authorities, business rates are soaring by 11%, and that is on top of the additional costs that SMEs are paying. I will, if I may, ask a question on behalf of Frank Wood, chair of York Retail Forum, who says, “Do you want the high street without any shops?”

Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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I think that what Frank would want is a high street full of customers. That means making sure that our economy remains strong. Our economy grew faster than any other G7 country last year, and that was because of our long-term plan, of which we will hear more tomorrow from the Chancellor.