Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Pursglove Excerpts

Tuesday 12th September 2017 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

The hon. Lady raises very important issues, and I have met the chairman of the FSB to discuss business rates. Some of her questions should really be directed to my right hon. Friend he Chancellor, but in the meantime let me say that there has been a cap on rates increases, and small business rate relief will mean that bills will not increase by more than £50 per month for the first year. There has also been a £300 million local authority fund to provide discretionary relief on business rates, and I would encourage the hon. Lady to pressurise her council for the full benefit thereof.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman is not called “pithy Pursglove” for nothing; I am sure we will have a very succinct question from him.

[Tom Pursglove]

One way that this Government have very effectively supported SMEs is through the establishment of new enterprise zones. Are Ministers keeping under review the possibility of another round of them becoming available?

[Margot James]

I agree with my hon. Friend: enterprise zones have for the most part been a huge success in attracting investment and providing new jobs. We will keep in mind any future growth in the number of enterprise zones; we do not currently have any plans, but they have been a success and we will keep them under review.