§ 9. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the percentage increase in rates in the Staffordshire Moorlands district in each of the past three years; and how this compares with the national average increase in rates.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettIn the last three years domestic rates in Staffordshire Moorlands have increased by 15.1 per cent., 31.7 per cent. and 20.5 per cent., compared with the national average increases of 9.3 per cent., 14.6 per cent. and 9.6 per cent. respectively.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that my constituents are angry at the increase in rates, which are substantially above the average, in the Staffordshire Moorlands district? Will he take steps to change the basis of calculating the rate support grant to ensure that they get a fairer deal in the future? Furthermore, does he realise that if that does not happen they will face a further substantial increase next year?
§ Mr. BarnettAs I am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates, I cannot make any promises about the treatment of individual authorities in advance of the rate support grant settlement. However, I have noted what he has said.