§ 19. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what he expects will be the average increase in local authority rates during the forthcoming financial year.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe rate poundage for 1969–70 will depend upon decisions yet to be taken by a large number of local authorities in the light of their individual assessments of needs. I see no reason, however, why the average increase should depart significantly from recent trends, particularly in view of the increase to 56 per cent. in the grant to be paid from central funds.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the hon. Gentleman identify inside that the amount of rate increase which will flow from the Government's action in restricting council rents? Whatever amount it is, does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that it is wholly contrary to the arguments used by his right hon. Friend for that imposition?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI do not accept that hypothesis, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman realised before he asked the question. The Government have made the most massive contribution of help to the domestic ratepayer that has ever been made by any Government. I should think the right hon. Gentleman would appreciate it.
§ Mr. WhitakerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the London ratepayers will be penalised by the empire-building of Conservative borough councils in splitting up the G.L.C. Parks Department, and that this will necessarily increase both bureaucracy and the rates.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI am not sure how far this arises from the original Question, but it is a matter which will have to come before my right hon. Friend in due course.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn view of the announcement by the Minister of Housing that the rate improvement grant did not include the November increase in, for example, petrol, will the hon. Gentleman immediately move an increase Order to meet the considerable additional burden of the November measures?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThe last rate support grant Order included increases to mid-November. Increases after that will be taken care of in any further increase order.