§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what percentage of domestic ratepayers in Newark and in Nottinghamshire received rebates in 1966–67; and what action is being taken to publicise the availability of rate rebates.
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§ Mr. Skeffington5.9 per cent. In the borough of Newark; 5.8 per cent in Nottinghamshire as a whole.
A fresh series of advertisements appeared in the national press recently, to reinforce earlier publicity by Press, radio, television and leaflets. My right hon. Friend is considering further national publicity for next spring.
Local efforts too are very important in bringing the scheme to the attention of potential recipients and I urge all local authorities to consider what further steps they can take.
§ Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how many ratepayers in the county borough of Gateshead have received rebates since the introduction of the Government Rate Rebate Scheme; and what was the average benefit per head;
(2) what is the total number of applicants in 1966–67 for rate relief under the Rate Rebate Scheme in the county borough of Gateshead, and to what proportion of these relief has been granted.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonRate rebates were introduced in April, 1966.
1,666 ratepayers in the county borough of Gateshead received rebates in the first half of 1966–67 and 1,839 in the second half; the average amount of rebate for the year as a whole was £12 15s. It is too soon to have firm figures for 1967–68.
I have no information about the number of persons who applied for rebates. But the qualifications for rebate are defined by statute and a local authority cannot reject an application which satisfies them.