Member

At a time when we see unemployment increasing and growth flatlining, it is concerning that the Government’s approach appears to shift that balance decisively towards redistribution and against growth. The risk is that, in doing so, they weaken those very incentives that drive local economic activity and, hence, the Government’s objective of growth. I hope that the Minister can provide reassurance that this balance has been properly thought through and give assurance to councils across the country that want to do the right thing that they will be rewarded for doing so. I look forward to the Minister’s response.