Empty Premises, West Riding (Rates)

HC Deb 02 February 1970 vol 795 cc55-6W

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government which local authorities in the West Riding of Yorkshire currently take action to encourage occupation of empty premises by levying rates thereon under the General Rate Act, 1967.

Mr. Denis Howell

Only the Borough of Todmorden—and my right hon. Friend has recently consented to its ceas- grants and rate support grants paid to Southwell Rural District Council, Newark Rural District Council and Newark Borough Council in 1968–69 and the amounts of the corresponding grants for 1964–65 are as follows.

ing to apply the provisions as from 1 April, 1970, in the light of representations from the council that the continued application of the provisions would not be advantageous to the town.