Two Cities MP calls for business rate reforms with the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken, spoke out in the House of Commons to make the case for business rate reforms with the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, following his comprehensive statement on the Plan for Growth.

Speaking in the House of Commons Chamber, Nickie said,

"I certainly welcome the comprehensive growth plan that the Chancellor has outlined today. I particularly welcome the reintroduction of tax-free shopping for international visitors. I hope that that also now includes EU citizens. It sounds like this Chancellor and this Government are very much a reforming Government and I welcome that. Can my right hon. Friend please guarantee that he will consider now reforming one of our most antiquated and punitive taxes—business rates?"

The Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, replied,

"We are having a tax review to fit our tax system to the 21st century. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and her campaign on VAT and duty-free shopping. We engaged on that when I was the Business Secretary, and I hope that we can deliver on her vision."

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Nickie Aiken MP

Nickie Aiken @TwoCitiesNickie

Former Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster
Nickie Aiken has lived in the Cities of London and Westminster for more than 20 years, first moving to London in 1997. She lived in the Barbican in the heart of the City of London before moving to Pimlico where she has been raising her family since 1999.

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