HC Deb 20 February 1968 vol 759 cc220-1
15. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will seek to amend the Land Commission Act so that the betterment levy is not paid by retirement pensioners.

Mr. MacDermot

No, Sir.

Mr. Ridsdale

Does the Minister think it fair that an old-age pensioner, about whom I have sent details, should have to pay £70 on £350 from the sale of his back garden, when he was going to use the money for repairs to his bungalow and a holiday, which he had not had for four years? Is it not a scandalous example of the way in which the Land Commission is working?

Mr. MacDermot

In the example that the hon. Gentleman has given, as in others, the levy is at the rate of 40 per cent. on the increase in value due to betterment. To try to make exceptions because of hardship cases would open the door wide to all sorts of unjustified exemptions. I am aware of the case to which the hon. Gentleman has referred. The Commission has power to allow the payment by instalments. If there is any difficulty I hope that the person concerned will make an application accordingly.

Mr. Graham Page

With these examples of hardship due to payment of betterment levy cropping up all over the country now, will not the hon. and learned Gentleman consider initiating legislation to exempt the private dwelling house, the residence of the betterment levy payer, in the same way as it is exempted from Capital Gains Tax?

Mr. MacDermot

There are some hardship aspects which need to be considered, but I do not think we can go as far as the hon. Gentleman suggested.

Mr. Ridsdale

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.