WHEN the national Cabinet met in Southampton recently and conducted a public session, The Insider was scornful of my choice of question to the Cabinet.

It was about the proposed 5 per cent hike in business rates from April 1 (yesterday).

It seems my intervention may have been worthwhile with news that the business rates increase will be capped at 2 per cent. I don’t claim single-handed credit for this government U-turn, but I hope The Insider’s lip will uncurl slightly at the news.

Perhaps he might even say “well done – this is good news for businesses”. Or would that just be too painful for him?

KEITH MITCHELL, Leader of the Council.

Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, Oxford