HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc1089-90
12. Mr. Donald Kaberry

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to postpone the revaluation for rating assessment of registered charities owning real property and which are exempt from Schedule A tax in order to permit further consideration of a more equitable basis in view of the school and hospital services provided to the community by those charities.

16. Mr. Hylton-Foster

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, with a view to enabling charities to continue to render service to the public, he will introduce legislation to secure that in respect of real property owned by them for which they are not chargeable with Income Tax Schedule A, charitable bodies shall be rated on a basis not more onerous than that applicable to local authority dwelling-houses.

28. Mr. Geoffrey Hirst

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give consideration to the position in which many charities will be placed under existing legislation for rating assessment; and whether he will introduce legislation to permit of a more equitable basis of assessment in recognition of the service they render to the public.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Local authorities already have various means of assisting voluntary organisations, and I do not think on this point any change in the law regarding rating assessments is desirable.

Mr. Kaberry

Can the Minister say what progress has been made to date in the re-valuation of these properties under the new Act of Parliament?

Mr. Macmillan

Very slow progress.

Mr. Hylton-Foster

Will the Minister bear in mind that whereas local rating authorities wish to exercise a kindly discretion in the matter of these charities, central offices have not the power to do so?

Mr. Macmillan

That will only happen if and when the new assessment comes into force.

Back to