Richard Benyon has welcomed today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the financial settlement for local authorities and improved settlement for West Berkshire.
In his statement the Secretary of State announced that the whole Berkshire area will be included in the 100% business rates retention pilot. A number of other measures were announced that will relieve the pressure on West Berkshire Council’s finances.
The business rates announcement could improve West Berkshire’s financial situation in the coming finical year by up to £2million and there could be further benefits a result of today’s announcement.
Responding to this news Richard said:
“This announcement comes as a welcome Christmas present to the people of West Berkshire and follows an intense lobbying process by West Berkshire Council, other Berkshire councils and MPs.”