DRAFT Non-Domestic Rating (Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateSteve Reed
Main Page: Steve Reed (Labour (Co-op) - Streatham and Croydon North)DRAFT Non-Domestic Rating (Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015
Steve Reed Excerpts
Mr Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab)
These changes are broadly technical. They have the LGA’s support, so we are happy to support them as well. However, since the Minister referred to the wider issue of the localisation of business rates in his introduction, I have three questions.
At the Dispatch Box recently, the Minister said that during the autumn statement we would get clarity on the equalisation mechanism that will accompany the localisation of business rates. I did not hear anything of the sort during the statement this afternoon, so can the Minister explain why not? Secondly, under the current funding system, the 10 poorest local authority areas have suffered cuts 18 times bigger than 10 wealthier areas. How will that disparity be addressed in future funding settlements? Finally, how will the Chancellor’s plans for business rate devolution impact on the current small business rate relief system referred to in the draft regulations?