HC Deb 15 August 1901 vol 99 cc916-7
MR. CAUSTON (Southwark)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Peabody Trustees have refused the offer of the Southwark Borough Council of 12½ per cent. for collecting the rates direct from the tenants in their buildings in the Blackfriars Road, although they undertake the same work in their other buildings in Southwark for 10 per cent.; whether he is aware that by this arrangement the tenants, many of whom are poor, suffer inconvenience and loss, the allowance made by the Trustees being less than the tenants are called upon to pay; and whether the Local Government Board can take steps to put in force the former system under which the rates were collected direct from the landlord.

MR. WALTER LONG

I am aware that the Peabody Trustees, in conjunction with other owners of tenement property in Southwark, have declined to assent to a reduction by the borough council to 12½ per cent. in the allowance hitherto made to them in consequence of their paying the rates instead of the occupiers, and doing so whether the tenements were occupied or not. The whole of the tenants in the Blackfriars Road Buildings have agreed to pay the rates, and in consideration of their having to make these payments the Trustees have reduced the weekly rents to the extent as near as possible of the amount of the present rates, less 15 per cent. The Local Government Board have no power to take action for the purpose referred to in the last paragraph of the question. The responsibility for what has occurred must rest with the borough council.

MR. CAUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rearrangement tells against the tenants and in favour of the Trustees?

MR. WALTER LONG

No, no. When owners of property compound for rates they pay them on all the tenements whether occupied or not.

MR. CAUSTON

If I can satisfy the right hon. Gentleman that it is so, has the Local Government Board any power to interfere?

MR. WALTER LONG

The hon. Gentleman cannot possibly satisfy me of that. I am thoroughly conversant with the law. Besides, I have no power to interfere. The hon. Gentleman must address himself to the borough council.