§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the percentage take-up of rate rebate grants; and what his Department is doing to bring to the attention of those entitled the new allowances.
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§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsInformation about the take-up of rate rebates in all rating authorities in England and Wales in the financial year ending 31st March 1972 is given in the booklet "Rate Rebates in England and Wales in 1971–72" published by my Department and the Welsh Office at the end of last year. Copies of the booklet are available in the Library of the House. There is no basis on which a reliable estimate can be made of those eligible for rebate who did not apply.
Publicity for the scheme is primarily the responsibility of the rating authorities, but my Department assists by making leaflets available to them for local distribution, and by issuing posters to them and to voluntary organisations and post offices. Following the recent approval by Parliament of higher income limits to operate from 1st April next, a circular will be issued to local authorities drawing their attention to the new limits and inviting them to publicise them.