§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what adjustments he will make to the resources element of the rate support grant to compensate local authorities for the loss of rate revenue arising from his decision to cancel the 1982 rating revaluation.
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§ Mr. KingNone are required, since there is no reason for local authorities' rate revenue to be affected as a result of my right hon. Friend's decision.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what means he will maintain an accurate rating list, in view of his advice to householders to tear up rate return forms already issued.
§ Mr. KingThe valuation office of the Inland Revenue will continue to keep the present lists under review; it will make proposals in respect of new and altered properties and changes in the locality as appropriate; it will also respond to proposals made by ratepayers.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he had with the Rating and Valuation Association, the local authority associations and other bodies before making his decision to cancel the 1982 rating revaluation.
§ Mr. KingNo formal consultations took place but my right hon. Friend was well aware of the views expressed by the bodies mentioned.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the effect of his decision to cancel the 1982 rating revaluation on the numbers of staff employed; and what discussion he has had with the services concerned.
§ Mr. KingThere will be a saving on the planned complements of about 1,000 full time and 400 casual staff in the valuation office of Inland Revenue. Discussions are now taking place with the appropriate staff representatives about the way in which these savings are to be achieved.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what expenditure has been incurred to date on the 1982 rating revaluation.