§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any proposals to reduce the level of the poll tax in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe community charge is set by local authorities and not by the Government. The generous revenue settlement I provided for 1990–91 gave councils a realistic opportunity to budget for an average charge of £173. They chose instead to budget for expenditure increases which have resulted in an average charge of £232. Community charge payers, and particularly those on low and fixed incomes will expect local authorities in 1991–92 to budget in line with my plans and to achieve community charge levels commensurate with those plans.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what plans he has to introduce new legislation concerning the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe Government will review the operation of the community charge system. It is too early to say what changes might be made or whether legislation will be needed.