§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cost so far of carrying out valuations in preparation for the introduction of council tax; what is his estimate of the total cost; and when he expects the completion of valuations in preparation for the introduction of the council tax.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe cost of valuing 19 million properties in England for council tax and producing valuation lists is expected to be £70 million. To date, payments of some £30 million have been made by my Department to the Valuation Office Agency, which is responsible for supervising the valuation exercise. Private sector valuers have now, subject to quality control procedures, completed their work. The Valuation Office Agency expects to complete its own valuation work in the near future and to schedule.