Tory on fact-finding visit

Mar 24 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A SENIOR Conservative has told North East business leaders the party sympathises with calls to cut "crippling" empty property rates.

Shadow Treasury minister David Gauke met about 30 Tyneside business leaders yesterday.

The MP said he was aware of serious concerns from the region’s businesses facing charges for property left empty in the recession.

Mr Gauke told The Journal: “There are all sorts of burdens facing businesses, including empty property rates and the national insurance contributions which the Government is going to increase soon. And at the same time it is clear that the benefits of initiative after initiative announced by the Government has not yet been felt by businesses. This is clear up and down the country, so we want to find out what businesses here in the North East think could work.” Mr Gauke said there was a limit to what the Tories could do if elected, given the recession.

“The reality is that public finances are a mess and we have to be realistic as to what can be offered. So, I’m not arriving here with a cheque book fill of blank cheques, and I’m not sure businesses here will expect us to do so.”

Also on the agenda at Newcastle’s John Lewis store was aid for manufacturing.

Ross Smith, of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The shadow minister sat and listened to the views of businesses from across the North East for two hours and that is appreciated.”