HC Deb 03 December 1975 vol 901 cc1662-4
3. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the take-up level of rate rebates.

The Minister for Planning and Local Government (Mr. John Silkin)

About 2½ million people received considerable help under the rate rebate scheme with their rates in 1974–75, the latest period for which figures are available. On the best estimate that I can make, this represents about 70 per cent. of those eligible. I shall not be satisfied until all those eligible receive a rebate.

Mr. Arnold

Is it not the case that the introduction of the scheme has improved the distribution of the unfair burden of local government expenditure only to a limited extent? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the time has come for a definite commitment by the Government to move towards a system that takes account of people's ability to pay? May we have an assurance that the Lay-field Committee will report before the end of the year, as was originally promised?

Mr. Silkin

I attach a great deal of importance to what the hon. Gentleman has said, especially about the Layfield Report. It is eagerly awaited by the end of the year, but I hope that I take the House with me when I say it was our duty in the meantime to see that as many people as possible received adequate rate rebates. I think that a 70 per cent. take-up is reasonably high, although I am not totally satisfied. It may be of interest to hon. Members to know that the lowest take-up seems to be among private tenants and ratepayers living in quarters combined with commercial premises. I intend to see that publicity is directed towards assisting them.

Mr. Watkinson

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the House of Lords decision that those householders whose sewerage system is not connected to the main drainage do not have to pay water rates? What does he intend to do about that?

Mr. Silkin

My hon. Friend must be congratulated on being quick off a particular mark, but I need rather more time to consider things than, perhaps, he does.

Mr. Rossi

What does the right hon. Gentleman consider to be the appropriate level of increase in rates for the coming year? Does he think it likely that the increase will be constrained within that limit?

Mr. Silkin

That is a rather different question. One-third of the income that local authorities receive is made up from the rates, and the precise rate level must therefore be left to them. Nevertheless, they are aware, as is the hon. Gentleman, of the need for constraint, and I am glad to see how well they are co-operating.