Written question asked by Lord Bates (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 2009.

Department for Communities and Local Government: Meeting with MPs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 12 November (WA 205), what were the conclusions of the meeting between the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, and Members of Parliament who have constituencies in ports; what meetings he has had with the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on the ports' tax; and on what dates.

Answer: The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, met with Members of Parliament who have constituencies in ports and listened to their representations. The Government are currently considering the position and will reach their decision shortly. The review of ports by the Valuation Office Agency was to ensure that all individual business properties within and outside ports are rated fairly to ensure that the burden of contributions to funding local government is shared fairly amongst businesses around the country. The Government have listened to the concerns of businesses with significant and unexpected backdated bills, including some businesses within ports. They have legislated to enable such bills to be repaid over an unprecedented eight years rather than in a single instalment, helping affected businesses to manage the impact on their cash flows during the downturn by reducing the amount they are required to pay immediately by 87 per cent.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 244; 715 c66-7WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Department for Communities and Local Government: Meeting with MPs
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Home Office Ports Members Business rates Meetings Department for Communities and Local Government
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk