42. Mr. Morrisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many appeals have been lodged at Porthcawl against rating assessments; how many alterations have been agreed; and what steps are being taken to determine the remaining appeals.
§ Sir K. JosephAbout 1,100 proposals for alterations of the new values have been made by ratepayers. Of these about one-third have been settled by agreement and about one in three of those settled has led to a reduction in assessment. Of the proposals not yet settled, about half are still under consideration176W by the valuation officer. The other half are awaiting hearings as appeals to the local valuation courts, although many of these may also be settled by agreement before they are heard. I understand that the first court to hear appeals relating to the new list in Porthcawl will sit on 23rd January.
§ Mr. Coulsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many appeals have been lodged at Hull against rating assessments; how many alterations have been agreed; and what steps are being taken to determine any remaining appeals.
§ Sir K. JosephAbout 2,200 proposals for alterations of the new values have been made by ratepayers of Hull. Of these about two-fifths have been settled by agreement and about one in four of those settled has led to a reduction in assessment. Of the proposals not yet settled, rather less than a quarter are still under consideration by the valuation officer. The rest are awaiting hearings as appeals to the local valuation courts, although many of these may also be settled by agreement before they are heard. The first court at Hull was held on 12th December and I understand that in the new year courts are likely to be held weekly for the time being.