§ 19. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will now introduce legislation to exempt clubs of a non-profit-making character, engaged in promoting welfare, from local taxation.
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. Rating authorities have a discretionary power to give rate relief to such clubs if they fall within the scope of Section 11(4) of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1961, and I do not think there are grounds for going further.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the Minister recall that, when the Rating and Valuation Measure was in Committee, hon. Members who had promoted an Amendment were given an assurance that local authorities had this discretionary power? Is he aware that very few are using this discretionary power to exempt non-profit-making clubs engaged in welfare from rating, or even to modify their rating? Will he consider the position of workmen's clubs throughout the country, some of which are finding it difficult to continue?
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. I do not have information leading me to believe that failure to use the discretion is widespread. It is up to the local authority, which must take into account the interests of all ratepayers in its area.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that only the other day I received information from the general secretary of a club union proposing to promote a petition throughout the country to be presented to the Minister because of the reluctance of local authorities to use this discretionary power?
§ Sir K. JosephI will certainly study that petition, or, if the right hon. Gentleman cares to send me the letter, I will start giving study to it now.