HC Deb 13 December 1983 vol 50 c406W
Sir Brandon Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when council house tenants first became liable to pay local authority rates.

Mr. Waldegrave

Except where specifically exempted, the occupiers of houses have been liable for rates since 1601. The occupiers of council houses are treated no differently although specific arrangements may be made to collect rates as part of their rental payments. We intend very shortly to introduce legislation to ensure that council tenants are informed of the amount of rates included in their rent.