46. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have announced rate increases of over 50 per cent.; how many between 40 per cent. and 50 per cent.; how many between 30 per cent. and 40 per cent.; how many between 20 per cent. and 30 per cent.; and how many under 20 per cent.
§ Mr. OakesThe Department had by 25th February received 48 returns from local authorities confirming details of rates to be levied in 1975–76. These rates are inclusive of county precepts and district rates but exclude water and sewerage charges. The following figures taken from the limited number of returns received show the distribution of the increases in percentage terms comparing 133W the 1975–76 rate levy with the 1974–75 levy actually paid, i.e. with, where appropriate, the effects on rate payments of the 1974–75 domestic relief scheme taken into account.
Domestic rate increase Number Less than 20 per cent. 6 20–30 per cent. 19 30–40 per cent. 15 40–50 per cent. 3 More than 50 per cent. 5 The distribution of non-domestic rate increases is:
Non-domestic rate increase Number Less than 20 per cent. 12 20–30 per cent. 31 30–40 per cent. 5 40–50 per cent. — More than 50 per cent. —