§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discretion local authorities have as to 229W whether to collect the 20 per cent. rates from people claiming housing benefit or income support in the form of 10 monthly payments to cover the year's total bill.
§ Mr. HowardAll ratepayers have the right to pay their rates in 10 monthly instalments. Local authorities may collect rates from their own tenants with rent, which may be on a weekly or fortnightly basis and they may make similar arrangements with other landlords also.
§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received with respect to tenants living in private accommodation and housing associations, being expected to pay their rates cost in a manner less favourable than those living in local authority accommodation; and if he will make a statement setting out Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of these arrangements, indicating what guidance has been given to housing associations by his Department.
§ Mr. HowardI have received no such representations recently and have no proposals to issue guidance on the subject. Domestic rates will cease to be payable on 31 March 1990.