Clause 22 - Postponement of compilation of rating lists to 2017

Part of Growth and Infrastructure Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:15 pm on 4 December 2012.

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Photo of Gordon Birtwistle Gordon Birtwistle Liberal Democrat, Burnley 4:15, 4 December 2012

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that there will be pluses and minuses? A large majority of manufacturing companies will probably see a rise in their business rates, because they have invested in new and more advanced properties. That would certainly create big problems in the north of England, where the hon. Gentleman has his constituency. Companies in the manufacturing sector may have to lay people off to cover the extra cost of the business rate. Does he accept that there are pluses and minuses in everything, and this measure needs to be studied very carefully?