HC Deb 11 May 1965 vol 712 cc248-9
2 and 3. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he will introduce legislation to give ratepayers the right to pay rates by monthly or, at most, quarterly instalments;

(2) what steps he will now take to overcome the hardships to ratepayers due to the payment of substantial rates by small income households, and from the increase in rates as a result of revaluation.

13. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will make an announcement on his proposals for rating reform.

27. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when Her Majesty's Government's review of local government finance will be completed.

41. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to announce his proposals for the relief of hardship caused to certain categories of ratepayer by the annual increase in the total rate burden.

Mr. Crossman

I have nothing to add to my statement in the debate of Wednesday, 5th May.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is by far the most practicable and best way of easing the rate burden on many people? Would he take steps to see that this facility is available to every ratepayer?

Mr. Crossman

I made a statement on this in the debate on rates last week and I pointed out that this is available to every council. The only issue is whether we should compel the laggard councils to follow the example of the good councils. This is something I shall certainly bear in mind.

Mr. Hamling

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we are being inundated with complaints from ratepayers about the inadequacy of the previous Administration's legislation regarding the relief of hardship to ratepayers?

Mr. Crossman

Yes, I am aware of the deep political sagacity of the ratepayers who make these distinctions. These wise ratepayers are aware that the rates they are paying now are levied on a system developed under 13 years of Tory Government which we have not yet had time radically to reform, as we shall do. I am glad that in my hon. Friend's constituency that degree of sagacity is there, and I hope that it will be registered next Thursday.

Mr. Ridsdale

As the right hon. Gentleman said in the debate to which he has referred that he had all the facts he wanted, when can we expect action? Will he cease to behave like a tortoise?

Mr. Crossman

Hon. Members must contain themselves for a few more months in patience. The reform of the rating system, as was pointed out in the debate by several hon. Members opposite, cannot be undertaken straight away. We shall have our proposals ready in a few months and in due course we shall pass the legislation required to reform the rating system.