HC Deb 03 May 1989 vol 152 cc166-7W
22. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of Slate for Scotland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the community charge in Scotland.

Mr. Lang

As planned, the community charge was introduced in Scotland on 1 April 1989. Following the canvass of households which commenced in April 1988, about 99 per cent. of the adult population registered for the community charge. Community charges registration officers are now busy with the task of maintaining their registers. Local authorities have publicised the availability of rebates, found out about the method of payment that charge payers wish to use and have been working very hard to process the large number of applications for rebates which they have received. I am extremely pleased with the good progress which has been made by all concerned in implementing the community charge in Scotland.

28. Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish tourist industry about the standard community charge; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. Friend has received a number of such representations.

31. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for a poll tax rebate in each of the regions of Scotland have been(a) granted and (b) refused.

Mr. Lang

This information is not held centrally.

32. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the numbers who have not paid their poll tax for April.

Mr. Lang

It will be some months before reliable information on the levels of payment of the community charge becomes available.

49. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will carry out a study of the impact of the standard community charge since its introduction on 1 April; and if, in light of that study, he will then review the legislation in relation to the standard community charge.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans for such a study.

50. Mr. Shersby

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the payment of the community charge by Scottish police officers pending determination of the final determination of the police housing allowance.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

My right hon. and learned Friend has received a small number of representations regarding the police rent allowance issue. In its recent award on this matter, the police arbitration tribunal concluded that the community charge payable by police officers or their spouses should not be reimbursed by police authorities.

44. Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scots will be receiving rebates of the poll tax in the current year.

Mr. Lang

It is estimated that over one million adults in Scotland will receive a community charge rebate in 1989–90.

34. Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the incidence of the community charge on those in receipt of housing benefit.

Mr. Lang

A number of representations have been received about the community charge rebate scheme which is based on the previous housing benefit scheme for rate rebates.