§ 86. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. A. Ratcliffe, of Haywoods Cross, Leigh Sinton, has been notified by the valuation officer of the Inland Revenue at Worcester that the assessment of his dwelling house for rating purposes will be reduced in gross value from £65 to £60, and in rateable value from £38 to £34, which was forthwith accepted by Mr.Ratcliffe, but that refund of rates overpaid cannot be obtained because the Inland Revenue has not confirmed the assessment reduction to the local authority, namely the Martley Rural District Council; why this delay 21W has occurred; and whether he will instruct all valuation officers to inform local authorities immediately such reductions in assessments are agreed.
§ Mr. BarberThere has been no unreasonable delay by the valuation officer. Under the provisions of the Rating Acts the provisional agreement between Mr. Ratcliffe and the valuation officer for a reduction in the assessment required the agreement of the council before it became effective. The council's written agreement was given on 19th June and the valuation officer sent the council on 28th June a direction for the alteration of the valuation list. I understand that the council has now sent Mr. Ratcliffe the refund of rates which he has claimed.