Local Government Finance Debate

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Local Government Finance

Rob Wilson Excerpts
Wednesday 18th December 2013

(10 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The hon. Member for Reading East (Mr Wilson) has only just started bobbing, but I am assuming that he was here at the start.

Rob Wilson Portrait Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Labour councils such as Reading are again increasing the burden of council tax on families this year. Does the Minister agree that, during these challenging times, any rise in council tax should be put to a local authority referendum?

Brandon Lewis Portrait Brandon Lewis
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My hon. Friend makes a good point. This Conservative coalition Government have done what they can to ensure that a council tax freeze is available to every resident in the country, and we are proud of that. Any authority that is looking to put up its council tax and to penalise local residents by charging them more should have the courage to hold a referendum and let the public decide.