HC Deb 02 April 1963 vol 675 cc219-20
16. Dr. Bennett

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is satisfied with the response of the local authorities to the advice he gave them on the need for economy in framing their estimates for next year; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

It will be some time before a close estimate can be made of the increase in total rate call but such information as I have indicates that for local authorities as a whole the increase is not out of scale with the increases of recent years.

Dr. Bennett

Has my right hon. Friend observed that Fareham Urban District Council has raised its rate by something like 5s. 3d. over and above the previous years on similar scales? Although much of this may be attributed by the council to the extra £100,000 claimed by the county, this demand is falling on a population almost entirely composed of pensioners and people on fixed incomes. Does not my right hon. Friend think, in view of the simmering revolt that is now already becoming apparent, some urgent action is needed by way of intervention to protect these people, such as either a measure of derating or some action by way of rate deficiency grant? [HON. MEMBERS "Too long."] My question was very short in view of the importance of the matter.

Sir K. Joseph

The effect of rates on the householder depends on a combination of a rising rate call and revaluation. It is to judge what that impact is and to see whether anything needs to be done in the future that the Government have set up the Committee of Inquiry which will be beginning its action urgently.

Mr. MacColl

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, will the inquiry also go into the general incidence of rates and the possibility of shifting the burden of rates from the original payer to other people?

Sir K. Joseph

The inquiry is only entitled to look at facts. It will be for the Government to judge whether any action is necessary.

Dr. Bennett

Does my right hon. Friend's action imply that there is a chance of relief for these over-hard-pressed people should the findings of the inquiry establish that?

Sir K. Joseph

There can be no chance whatsoever of any result occurring this year, without any prejudice to what might happen in the future.

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