Local Government Finance (Hansard, 31 October 1989)

§ Mr. Pawsey
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how it is intended that the community charge will be collected from itinerants.

§ Mr. David Hunt
People with no fixed abode are exempt from the community charge, and the question of collection does not, therefore, arise. Travellers who are solely resident in caravans or boats will be liable to pay a personal charge in the area where they last become subject to a community charge on a particular day. It is for registration officers and charging authorities to make suitable arrangements for registration for, and collection of, the community charge in the light of local circumstances.

§ Mr. Cohen
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to prevent community charge registration officers disclosing anonymous personal information to credit companies, mail order companies or police forces.

§ Mr. Chope
No such legislation is necessary. Community charges registration oficers have no power to provide personal information to any of the bodies referred to by the hon. Gentleman. Recent changes to the Local Government Finance Act specifically preclude the provision of any information from which any individual can be identified.

§ Mr. Maples
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he proposes to provide further public information on the community charge.

§ Mr. David Hunt
In order to provide further information on individuals' rights and duties under the community charge, my right hon. Friend has decided to make additional resources available to ensure that those who are eligible for community charge rebates and transitional relief are aware of their entitlement.