Vikki Slade

Vikki Slade

Liberal Democrat — Mid Dorset and North Poole

Speaking in the House of Commons on 25 November 2024

Debate

Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill

Contribution

I agree with the hon. Member and thank him for his intervention. I was just about to say that we need a proper tech tax on online businesses, which should be ringfenced to stay in local communities, where councils could use it to support town centres in a way that works for them. Many councils are not able to keep the business rates accrued in their areas; they are set externally and sent elsewhere to support other communities. That is not understood or even appreciated by local communities. I cannot remember the number of times that, as a local government leader, I was shouted at by people saying, “You’re making all that money as a council.” People think that the councils own the businesses and the properties and that they set the rates. The fact is, they are set elsewhere, and councils do not have the power to provide discounts without having to plug the gap not just for their own areas, but for what they send to Government. That is what real reform would look like.

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For Vikki Slade's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Vikki Slade report card.