§ Sir N. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to bring to the notice of low income ratepayers the provisions for rebates now available.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonPublicity has already been given to the rate rebate scheme by Press advertising and eleven million leaflets were distributed earlier this year through Post Offices to people drawing pensions and allowances; there have also been radio and television features. A press notice about the progress of the540W scheme issued by the Department last week has received widespread publicity and a fresh series of advertisements will be appearing in the next few days. Rent officers, local officers of the Ministry of Social Security and members of voluntary organisations are helping by drawing attention to the scheme in suitable cases.
In addition local authorities have made their own arrangements for bringing rate rebates to the attention of their citizens and I hope that they will do more, particularly in areas where the response has so far been poor.
§ Sir N. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proportion of domestic ratepayers in the borough of Hastings received rebates in 1966–67.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonAbout 12 per cent., as against about 6¼ per cent. in the rest of England and Wales.