Peter Aldous urges the Treasury to use the spring Budget to reform business rates. He says it would be fairer and better if the system was simplified, the tax base broadened by removing the myriad complicated reliefs, annual valuations proposed, a one-year antecedent valuation date set, and fast appeals and greater evidence-sharing between occupiers and the VOA introduced.
Ahead of the peak of winter planning period, Peter Aldous questions the Government on efforts to ensure that Government Departments are properly co-ordinating with local authorities to ensure resilience in key services through the winter.
Peter Aldous backs the Finance Bill as the right balance in difficult circumstances and welcomes the protection for the most vulnerable and additional funding for health, social care and education. He urges the Government and oil and gas sectors to work together to ensure no unintended consequences from the energy sector levies.
Peter Aldous welcomes Government engagement with local fishermen in producing the bass fisheries management plan and seeks confirmation that the management plan accords with the trade and co-operation agreement, and will also apply to EU vessels.
Peter Aldous leads a Westminster Hall debate to celebrate Colleges Week and the work that colleges do in local communities and highlight the problems facing the sector in funding, staff recruitment and retention and the speed of the Government’s reforms to level 3 qualifications.
