Rates (Hansard, 15 December 1976)

§ 26. Mr. Younger
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now seek powers to introduce a ceiling for rate increases.

§ Mr. Millan
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Younger
Is the Minister aware that the Government cuts in rate support grant will not be effective in public expenditure terms if the burden is merely transferred to the shoulders of ratepayers? Why does he think that there should be restraint on rent increases but no restraint on rate increases, which many ratepayers find it difficult to meet?

§ Mr. Millan
I do not think that there is any practical way of having a ceiling without introducing legislation on rate increases. The legislation would be complex and would involve a rate of unemployment far greater than anything experienced in the past.

§ Mr. Teddy Taylor
Is the Minister aware that hundreds of ratepayers on Tayside are being taken to court because of £3 million rate arrears? Is he aware that all the indications are that rates will soon soar higher because of Government decisions? Is he aware that, without action of the type suggested by my hon. Friend in his Question, there might be a massive loss of jobs in Scotland because of rate increases?

§ Mr. Millan
The hon. Gentleman is dealing with a number of matters, all of which will be relevant to the debate next week.