VIDEO: Reaction to business rates shake-up

Government plans to allow councils in England to keep all proceeds from business rates raised in their area have been welcomed by the Local Government Association and by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Currently half the £26bn raised by business rates is sent to Westminster.

But Labour and the TUC have warned that safeguards are needed to protect councils in disadvantaged areas with low business growth.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own business rate systems.

Home Editor Mark Easton visited Harlow, Essex, to see how the plans are being received.