§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received on behalf of Age Concern and other charities requesting a rates relief scheme for water rates; if he will estimate the cost of such a scheme; and if he will make a statment.
§ Mr. Giles ShawIn the last six months the Department has received four representations from charities, including one from Age Concern, and 15 representations from Members of both Houses of Parliament.
As a guide, if charities were offered a rebate on charges equivalent to the present 50 per cent. reduction allowed in the relief of general rates, the cost would be in the region of £10 million.
We have no plans to introduce such a scheme, bearing in mind that we are dealing with charges for services rendered and not a form of taxation.