This week saw a Westminster Hall debate on business rates, with the Chamber network’s position on this key business issue being cited by Peter Aldous MP. The Minister for Business and Enterprise, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, also welcomed the British Chamber of Commerce’s supply chain report which highlights the continued problem of late payment to businesses. It was also announced this week that Stephen Metcalfe MP and Andrea Leadsom MP have secured a debate on the floor of the House of Commons to help small and medium-sized businesses by highlighting the problem of late payment in the supply chain of public sector contracts. The Chamber will be working to ensure that our members’ concerns are raised during this debate.
The Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill, which will enable the government to guarantee up to £40 billion of investment in infrastructure, and up to £10 billion of new homes, received Royal Assent this week.
The next reading of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill is expected next week, which contains several positive measures around planning and infrastructure. The Chamber is also expecting the important Energy Bill – which will reform the electricity market to make nuclear and renewable more attractive to investors – early next week.
