§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Prime Minister if she will publish figures for the current year's rates increase for a sample of Scottish districts with comparable English local authority areas; and if she will arrange for these statistics to be allowable in appeals against the new revaluations in Scotland.
§ The Prime MinisterInformation on rates in individual local authorities is contained in 'Rating Review", which covers Scotland, and in "Finance and General Statistics" for England. Both publications are produced by CIPFA and are available in the Library.
411WThe average domestic rate bill in Scotland, including water rates, in 1984–85 was £328, as compared with £393 in England for domestic rates and water charges. It is estimated that the corresponding figures in 1985–86 will be £397 and £429 respectively.
The fixing of rateable values, and the handling of appeals against the assessors' decisions, have to take account of statutory provisions, and I have no power to intervene in these processes.