Media contact: Jen Pufky
Telephone: 07825 617 927
Email: jen.pufky@lgiu.org
LGiU Response – Decentralisation of business rates
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGiU said:
“Today George Osborne has proved his credentials as a devolutionary Chancellor. Decentralising business rates could mean greater independence for councils across the country, the opportunity for many of them to unleash their economic potential locally. Until very recently, Treasury officials were briefing that decentralising business rates was out of the question, so this represents a huge step towards a more localised tax system in line with other developed economies.
However, the Chancellor’s devolution revolution must be a locally-led process. We don’t want to leave councils out in the cold because of uncertainty. This process will need to be managed in a way that is fair and that gives local authorities and local people the maximum possible control over the economic destiny of their areas.
The key question here is not how much money will these measures raise but will it be enough to cover any new responsibilities. As such, we look forward to seeing the detail of the Chancellor’s plan in the Autumn Spending Review in November.”
ENDS
Notes
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is a think tank and membership body with 200 councils and other organisations subscribing to our networks. We work to strengthen local democracy and put citizens in control of their own lives, communities and local services. For more information, visit lgiu.org.
