HC Deb 12 December 1961 vol 651 cc20-1W
40. Mr. Leather

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that under the Rating and Valuation Act, 1961, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have considerably reduced the assessments chargeable to power generating stations, with consequent loss of revenue to local authorities in whose areas those stations are situated; and if he is yet ready to put forward proposals to compensate those local authorities so affected.

Dr. Hill

Although the rateable values of some generating stations have fallen since 1959, the total rateable value of all the stations together has steadily increased. There is to be a general review of the electricity rating provisions of the Local Government Act, 1958, which produce these results, after the new valuation lists come into force in 1963. Meanwhile those local authorities qualifying for rate-deficiency grant get automatic compensation for any fall in rate resources.