§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his best estimates of the numbers of National Health Servie properties which have been designated for the collective community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken by health authorities to reduce the rate-inclusive rents paid by nurses and other staff living in health authority accommodation following the introduction of the community charge on 1 April; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyHealth authorities have been advised in circular EL(90)MB/43 that as from 1 April 1990 they should cease to collect the rates addition to rental charges. A copy has been placed in the Library.
The level of lodging charges for nursing staff is determined by the nursing and midwifery staffs negotiating council, which has recently reached agreement on charges for 1990–91. To take account of the abolition of domestic rates in England and Wales, charges in those countries are being reduced by the element attributable to rates.