§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the continuing increases being made in local rates by local rating authorities; and whether, as a means of offsetting and preventing these increases, he will advise local authorities to implement the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1966 and rate empty properties.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend drew the attention of authorities to their new powers to rate unoccupied properties in a circular issued on 3rd February.