HC Deb 06 November 1962 vol 666 cc772-3
3. Sir Richard Pilkington

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration he has given to measures designed to lessen the present rate burden.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Sir Keith Joseph)

I am certainly giving the most careful consideration to this subject, but cannot hold out a prospect of reduction. Local government expenditure increases—for valid reasons. It has to be met. The taxpayer already pays more than half and I do not think that there is a case for increasing that share. Rates now make up a smaller part of personal expenditure than before the war.

Sir Richard Pilkington

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is widespread feeling that the rate burden falls unfairly on people and that the education part of the rate falls extremely unfairly?

Sir K. Joseph

Yes, but I hope that people will not be frightened to talk of higher assessments. Rate poundages are bound to fall and, as for education, the whole country desires an increasing expenditure on education. Over half the cost is being borne by the taxpayer and I think that the call on the rates is, therefore, inevitable.

Mr. M. Stewart

Will the Minister not accept that the services which local authorities are required to provide are continually expanding, that the total amount of money that has to be raised is increasing and that while the system of rating might have been all right when the total sum was less, it is not satisfactory today?

Sir K. Joseph

I do not accept that there is any easy panacea to be obtained for the combination of rates and taxes which, of course, pay for the services which the whole House considers essential for this country.