§ Mr. John Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he has given during the last three months to local authorities that decline 101W to impose rates in respect of unoccupied property; and if he will make a statement on the progress of his policy.
§ Mr. Denis HowellNone. Under present law, the question whether the provisions for the rating of unoccupied properties should be applied to any area is entirely for the rating authority to decide in the light of local circumstances.
The Government are considering as part of the review of local government finance, in connection with the RedcliffeMaud proposals, whether any changes should be made in the law in this respect.