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Proceeding contribution from Lord Bates (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Monday, 11 May 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Business Rate Supplements Bill.


Business Rate Supplements Bill

I would like to press the Minister a little further on this because it might be the only chance we get to look at the important term "economic development" and whether it is the right one, or whether "development" is just too broad a term and allows local government officers to dream up lots of pet projects for the private sector to fund. What would be the effect of replacing "economic development" with "increasing economic output", "maximising economic productivity" or "creating wealth"? These are all the kind of objectives that business is looking for, especially at present; it has the objectives of increasing shareholder value and generating profits. If this is about business and raising funds from business to help business, perhaps we ought to mirror its objectives and have something that is more succinct and to the point. I appreciate that the Minister might want to reflect on that, but what is her response?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
710 c296-7GC 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Business Housing Greater London Discounts Economic growth Local government Local government finance Public consultation Business rates Regional planning and development Business improvement districts
Legislation
Business Rate Supplements Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk