HC Deb 18 June 1963 vol 679 cc201-3
14 and 15. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Minister for Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) why the redistribution of rates has been applied in such a way in the urban district of Denton that the share paid by industry has fallen from 15.6 per cent. of the whole to 15 per cent., whereas the national average for industry has risen from 11.2 per cent. to 16.32 per cent., thus placing a greater share of the rate-burden on domestic ratepayers; and what steps he proposes to take to raise the share of rates paid by industry there at least to the national average, with a corresponding decrease in the domestic rate burden;

(2) what reply he has made to the resolution recently sent to him by the Urban District Council of Denton, Lanes., protesting against the disparity between the redistributed rates in Denton and those applying in the country as a whole; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this anomaly.

Mr. Corfield

The redistribution is a consequence of the revaluation of all properties at current rental values; values of different types of property in different areas do not all grow at the same rate. If the council thinks that particular industrial assessments in Denton are too low, it can make proposals to increase them.

The hon. Member is, however, mistaken if he thinks that raising rateable values of industrial premises in Denton would make any practical difference to the domestic ratepayer, because it would automatically result in a fall in rate deficiency grants.

The council's letter of protest has been acknowledged. It does not appear to call for an answer.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is not the Minister aware that Denton has been discriminated against as compared with surrounding areas, that it is a highly industrialised town and that there is no good reason why industry should pay so much less now proportionately than it did before? Will he please reconsider the matter of the valuation of industry in the area?

Mr. Corfield

As I have tried to explain to the hon. Member, any question of valuation is a matter for a proposal to the valuation officer by the local authority or others concerned. As I have also explained to the hon. Member, however, the effect of any increase in the rateable value for the industrial here-ditaments in the area would not be sufficient to bring the district as a whole out of the rate deficiency grant bracket, and, therefore, the effect on the householders would be negligible.

Mr. Zilliacus

On a point of order. I give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.