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Regional Economy (Tackling the Recession)

The Minister mentioned the empty property rate relief. He is right, the Government have made a concession that has proved helpful to a lot of small businesses, but he will be aware that this is self-inflicted damage, in that, although much of what has happened to our economy and the region can be blamed on forces beyond our control, this tax has been devised in Government and threatens to do damage. In Sunderland we have two substantial businesses in the old Pallion shipyard that will close unless something is done about the tax. The rates at Pallion have gone up from £55,000 to around £230,000 in a single leap as a result of the measure. About 200 people are employed in the shipyard in one capacity or another, and the increase will sink the company if this is allowed to go on. Likewise, there is a printing company that employs about 150 people and is in danger of going under because of the measure. Can anything be done?