Business rates are based on valuations from the Valuation Office Agency and the Government does not intervene in their independent assessments. However, the relevant Ministers are going to look closely at the impacts of the forthcoming revaluation and consult on how to make sure the right support is in place for ratepayers to adjust to any changes.
The Government remains committed to meeting its legally-binding carbon budgets and to upholding the UK’s international commitments. The Fifth Carbon Budget commits the UK to reaching a 57 per cent reduction on 1990 emissions over the period 2028 to 2032. This is a very serious and challenging commitment and Ministers are developing an Emissions Reduction Plan which will set out how this commitment can be met in the most cost effective way.
The UK played a leading role in shaping and securing the Paris Agreement and it is great news that this will enter into force on 4 November. The Prime Minister has confirmed that the UK will complete its ratification before the end of the year.
By Patrick McLoughlin on November 02, 2016