HC Deb 10 December 1990 vol 182 c274W
Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many appeals have been made to the West Yorkshire valuation and community charge tribunal on the question of(a) rating valuation assessments, (b) community charge registrations and (c) level of payment of community charge.

Mr. Key

The information requested is as follows:

Number
(a) Non-domestic rating appeals 3,053
(b) Community charge appeals 122
(c) None. This is not one of the prescribed grounds for making an appeal.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many amendments have been made to the practice notes used by the valuation and community charge tribunals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Key

The Department has issued three letters updating the following community charge practice notes:

Letter Practice note
18 September 1989 No. 18—Foreign Diplomats and Visiting Forces
No. 21—Community Charge Benefit (2)
26 October 1989 No.9—Sole or Main Residence
No. 18—Foreign Diplomats and Visiting Forces
29 December 1989 No. 17—United Kingdom Service Personnel
No. 18—Foreign Diplomats and Visiting Forces

In addition to these letters three practice notes have been updated and reissued. These are:

Practice Note No. 10: Data Protection and the Community Charge (2)—(updates Practice Note No. 4)
Practice Note No. 19: Exemptions from the Personal Community Charge (2)—(updates Practice Note No. 2)
Practice Note No. 21: Community Charge Benefit (2)—(updates Practice Note No. 5)

The Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation is currently revising and updating the practice notes with a view to reflecting changes and modifications brought about by practice and decisions made by the valuation and community charge tribunals.

Mr. O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received over the variations in the decisions taken by valuation and community charge tribunals on the appeals concerning the community charge; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Key

I am not aware that any such representations have been received. The 56 tribunals in England are independent. They must decide each case on its merits and are responsible for their own decisions.