The Bill will give town halls a new power to raise and retain local supplements of up to 2p in the pound on the national business rate by 2010. This will help fund projects that, in turn, will promote economic development. The power will apply to county councils and unitary authorities outside London. Within London, the Greater London Authority will gain the power to impose an additional levy rather than the 32 boroughs.

The Marine Coastal Access Bill, which will try to secure a long-distance route around the coast of England with public access for coastal walking and other tourist and recreational activities, will also go ahead.

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