HC Deb 12 June 1991 vol 192 c583W
20. Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had on the timescale for phasing out the poll tax.

Mr. Portillo

We have said that we plan to replace the community charge with the council tax with effect from 1 April 1993.

Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the abolition of the poll tax 20 per cent. contribution rule; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Portillo

We have recently proposed a new council tax to take effect in 1993. It will be possible for people on low incomes to receive 100 per cent. rebates on the council tax. However, we have not proposed any change to the benefit rules for the remaining period of the community charge.

25. Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to make further adjustments to standard spending assessment mechanisms.

Mr. Portillo

The standard spending assessments are based on detailed research. They have been subject to extensive review over the last two years. Stability is an important consideration in this area to enable sensible forward planning by authorities. The Government have no proposals for any major changes, although data from the 1991 census will be incorporated into the SSAs as soon as possible after they become available.