§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what powers local authorities may charge a local rate on new build houses when the roads, drains and play areas have not been adopted by that local authority. [129175]
§ Keith HillLocal taxation on domestic property has been in the form of council tax since 1993–94. Currently local authorities have no power to vary council tax across their areas because roads, drains and play areas have not been adopted. However, subject to parliamentary approval, the Local Government Bill will provide a discretionary power for local billing authorities to offer locally determined council tax discounts.