§ 2.45 p.m.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now decided how to amend the relevant legislation to provide for reduced rating assessments for dwellings adapted for equipment needed by severely disabled persons.
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, I am indeed glad to be able to inform the House that the Government have decided the general lines on which legislation on rate relief for the disabled ought to be amended. Statements have just been made in written replies to Questions in the other place by my right honourable friends the Minister for Housing and Construction and the Secretary of State for Scotland. These statements refer to the present uncertain state of the law both sides of the Border, and to the intention of introducing legislation at an early opportunity to improve the situation. The amending legislation would define more clearly the circumstances in which entitlement to relief will arise, and the relief would be given by way of a deduction from the rate bill instead of, as of now, by a deduction from the rateable value. The statements add that the organisations representing local authorities and those concerned with 7 the problems of the disabled will be consulted shortly on the Government's proposals.
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for what at last appears to be a very welcome statement on this subject. Is the noble Baroness aware that it was noble and learned Lords in this House, sitting in their judicial capacity, who first pronounced that the existing legislation was "ambiguous, labyrinthine and unsatisfactory"? And is she aware that the statements to which she has referred, which will no doubt be read tomorrow by those concerned, will be regarded by all who are involved with the severely disabled as being a significant step forward, because they will bring relief to our hard-pressed hospitals, and also to our health services, by allowing more of the disabled to live outside those institutions?
§ Baroness STEDMANYes, my Lords, and I am delighted that we are at last going to be able to see our way, we hope, through this labyrinthine jungle, and before long will have the proper legislation on the Statute Book.