Business Rates

May I finish what I am saying? Later we will discuss the business rate supplement scheme. The Conservatives have sought to prevent any local authority from participating in it. The Liberal Democrats have said that they are more than welcome to do so, provided that there is proper consultation with businesses and that businesses have a say in the improvements that they want to see. I am sure that many businesses would like to see reductions, but businesses must also be allowed to have the opportunity to support improvements. The Conservatives appear to be offering only a one-way street.