HC Deb 19 November 1987 vol 122 cc631-3W
Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate, based on figures for the current financial year, the amount of community charge payable by senior citizens in Edinburgh liable for 20 per cent. of the community charge.

Mr. Lang

The estimated total level of personal community charge, including community water charge, required in Edinburgh to replace domestic rate income in 1987–88 would be £289.

A person on the maximum level of rebate would have to pay a contribution of some £53 towards his personal community charge liability, plus in appropriate cases the community water charge of £26. Under the reformed for Scotland of which £344,000 went to householders in Fife. Figures for Dunfermline district and for the number of people on full rebates are not available.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the current(a) water rate figure and (b) general domestic rate figure for all Scottish regional and island council areas; and if he will give the average figure for Scotland.

Mr. Lang

The information requested is set out in the table below. social security system to be introduced on 1 April 1988 the minimum contribution towards rates payments, and the overall amount made available through supplementary benefit towards water charges, will be taken into account in setting income support levels. Similar principles will apply from April 1989 in respect of the community charge system.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now list the estimated community charge figure based on returns for the current financial year for all regional and islands authority areas; and if he will give the estimated average community charge figure for Scotland.

Mr. Lang

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13 July 1987 to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscaddon (Mr. Dewar).

Mr. Gordon Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the possession of(a) identity numbers and (b) identity cards by those liable to pay the community charge.

Mr. Lang

The administration of the community charge system will not require individuals to use identity numbers or identity cards.