HC Deb 22 February 1980 vol 979 c603W
35. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many borough or district councils have maintained or reduced their rates since 1977.

Mr. King

Sixteen local authorities maintained or reduced their rate pound-ages in 1978–79 compared with 1977–78 and two in 1979–80 compared with 1978–79.

37. Mr. Allan Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average rate increase already announced by local authorities; and what is his estimate of the average rate increase to be expected in the financial year 1980–81.

Mr. King

Too few authorities have made returns for any reliable estimate to be made of the average rate increase already announced by local authorities or of the average rate increase for 1980–81.

44. Mr. Jim Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet able to assess the average rate poundage in England and Wales for 1980–81.

Mr. King

No. We have not yet received sufficient information to enable an assessment to be made.