§ 49. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what he estimates will be the increase in the level of local rates in 1965–66 as compared with 1964–65; whether he is satisfied that this increase will not cause hardship; and what new action he is considering to reduce the reduce the burden on ratepayers.
§ Mr. CrossmanI suggested recently that on average rates are rising annually by about 8d. or 10d. in the pound, and the indications are that next year's increases will average rather more than this. The Government's examination of local government finance and the rating system is being pushed ahead, but the conclusions cannot affect the rates in 1965–66.