HC Deb 26 March 1968 vol 761 cc1136-7
16. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on his proposals for extending rate relief.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Arthur Skeffington)

Provision has already been made in the rate support grant arrangements for an increase in the amount of rate relief given to all householders from 5d. in the pound in 1967–68 to 10d. in the pound in 1968–69. For householders with small incomes, the draft order raising the income limits for full rebate with effect from next October will be laid soon after Easter.

Mr. Ridsdale

Why cannot the whole rate relief on small incomes be borne centrally? Does the hon. Gentleman think it fair that the burden of those who cannot pay should be borne by those who can hardly pay, especially since devaluation?

Mr. Skeffington

The steps already taken in the arrangements to which I have referred—a considerable increase in support was given in an Order which I had the pleasure of moving before Christmas—go a long way to meeting that charge. The further draft Order will be of great benefit to those who are on very small incomes or have very large families.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

What steps has my hon. Friend taken to compare the levels of take-up between one authority and another? In introducing the welcome change in October, will he ask the local authorities to remind applicants that this is a heavy subsidised Government service?

Mr. Skeffington

My right hon. Friend takes all the steps open to him to make these provisions known and the general overall effect of the central grant is to achieve a very much greater sharing of the burdens throughout the country.

Mr. Rippon

Will the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to deny the somewhat disturbing rumours that the Government have in mind reducing the domestic element of the rate support grant in 1968–69?

Mr. Skeffington

It is always dangerous to try to base positive statements on rumours, but I must say that what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said is news to me.