§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that, in recent months, some severely disabled people received demands for additional rates following the adaptation of their homes under the provisions of Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970; what consultation he had with local authorities on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageI would expect adaptations to the homes of disabled people under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, to fall within the exemptions from rating provided in Section 45 of the General Rate Act, 1967, and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not aware of any special difficulties over rating assessments in this matter. As rating assessments are the responsibility of the valuation officers of the Inland Revenue and not of local authorities, a disabled person who finds his assessment increased by reason of such an adaptation should in the first place consult the local valuation officer.