§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average increase in local authority rates so far announced this year; and what has been the equivalent figure over the last five years.
§ Mr. RossOn the basis of information received from about 190 of the 234 rating authorities, the average rise in rate poundage this year will be about 1s. 4d. on domestic subjects and 2s. 2d. on other subjects. The equivalent figures for the preceding five years are as follows:
Domestic Non-Domestic 1968–69 +9d. + 1s. 7d. 1967–68 -2d. +8d. 1966–67 (revaluation year) -2s. 7d. 1965–66 +1s. 3d. 1964–65 +11d.
§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which are the highest rated and lowest rated local authorities in Scotland; and what are the actual rates payable per annum in each case on a house of £40 rateable value.
§ Mr. RossAccording to present information the highest rate poundage for the current year was levied in the Tullibody district of Clackmannanshire (38s.) and the lowest in the Burgh of Lossiemouth (15s.): allowing for the 2s. 6d. in the £ reduction for the householder, the rates payable on a house of £40 rateable value in these areas would be £71 and £25, respectively.
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§ Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the percentage increase in the rate support grant to local authorities in the coming financial year in real terms, after allowing for the increases in the cost of living since the previous year.
§ Mr. RossThe grant increase of about 6.8 per cent. provided in the Rate Support Grant (Scotland) Order, 1969, will be preserved and I will be providing additional grant for this purpose.