9. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average payment made in local rates by householders in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures five, 10 and 15 years previously.
§ Mr. YoungerIn 1970-71 the average rate payment by householders, including domestic water rate, is estimated to have been £5320: comparable figures for 1965-66, 1960-61 and 1955-56 were £3810, £28.70 and £21 .90 respectively.
Mr. TaylorDo not these figures show the urgent need to consider the whole question of local government reform and finance? Is it the Minister's intention to have a further revaluation before local government reform takes place? If rates in the new larger areas are to be on the basis of the assessments fixed by independent assessors in the present areas, some grotesque anomalies will arise.
§ Mr. YoungerThese are all matters which must be considered in the light of the current review of local authority finance. I share my hon. Friend's regret that this was not undertaken at an earlier stage than it was. It is worth pointing out that the increases which have occurred over the years have more or less kept pace with the increase in average earnings.