§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that registered charities obtain relief of at least the present rate from the precepts levied by joint boards and quangos if his legislation to abolish the Greater London council and the metropolitan counties is approved by Parliament.
§ Mr. WaldegravePrecepting authorities do not provide rate relief. The legislation which the Government intend to introduce to abolish the Greater London council and metropolitan county councils will not affect the eligibility of charities for rate relief, which they receive from rating authorities (district and London borough councils). Rate relief is given in relation to the whole rate, including any precepts that are levied, this applies now to the precepts of the Greater Londom council and metropolitan county councils and would apply in the future to any precepts levied by joint boards.