HC Deb 10 May 1978 vol 949 cc1182-3
19. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest available figure for the yield from the rating surcharge on unoccupied office properties levied under the Local Government Act 1974 and the cost involved in collecting this surcharge.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Details of the figures requested are not available centrally. Individual rating authorities may be able to supply figures relating to their own areas.

Mr. Wall

Is this type of surcharge still cost-effective? Has it not now outgrown its use, and will not the Minister consider its removal?

Mr. Barnett

I believe that it probably is cost-effective, not in terms of the sums collected but in that it is generally recognised that there was a widespread problem of commercial property being deliberately held empty in the hope of speculative gain. I believe that the surcharge has had a useful effect in helping to bring about a change.

Mr. Fernyhough

As police protection, fire protection and every other protection that the local authority provides is expected for such properties, why should those concerned be excused making their contribution towards the cost?

Mr. Barnett

I accept that there is a case for ratepaying, but the Question is concerned with the surcharge.