§ 7. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has had any recent discussions with the county borough of Newport about rating matters.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI have had no such discussions personally but there have been talks between my officials and officers of the authority.
§ Mr. HughesToday an old-age pensioner in Malpas, Newport, approached me about the fact that the rateable value of his flat had been increased from £66 to £176. Is it not time that the Government took steps to relieve the burden on domestic ratepayers, particularly in towns like Newport, where the corporation is seriously contemplating an increase in the rates of no less than 36 per cent.—and that after considerable pruning of the estimates?
§ Mr. ThomasI can assure the hon. Member that the Government are conscious of the problems faced by certain local authorities in that respect. The points which Newport has made to us will be carefully considered. I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate that Newport will get a substantial increase in rate support grant for 1973–74. The needs element has been enlarged by 24.3 per cent. and the resources element by 164.8 per cent.