Prime Minister David Cameron has been pressed to allow Cumbria’s local authorities to retain business rates from the nuclear new build in west Cumbria.
Workington’s MP, Sue Hayman, quizzed the PM on the issue in the House of Commons this week.
She said: “Given the Government cuts to Cumbria’s councils, does the Prime Minister agree that if we are truly to build a northern powerhouse, our local authorities must retain all business rates from the nuclear new build in west Cumbria?.”
Mr Cameron promised to look into the issue. He responded: “I will consider very carefully what the hon. Lady says. We are committed to the new nuclear industry, and we are obviously making good progress with Hinkley Point, but we need another big station to go ahead.
"I will consider very carefully her comments about business rates retention and business rates more broadly, but the most important thing is to have energy.”
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