HC Deb 28 April 1971 vol 816 cc100-1W
50. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can now give an up-to-date figure for rate increases on an average basis for 1971–72 in terms of new pence, shillings and pence and as a percentage of the previous year.

66. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the average rate increases for England and Wales imposed for the present financial year; and whether he will list the reasons for these increases.

Mr. Graham Page

From the returns so far received the average increase in rates is estimated to be 1s. 10d. or 9p for domestic ratepayers and 2s. 1d. or 10p for the remainder. In both cases this is an increase of about 14 per cent. Local authorities determine the rates in the light of all the varying local circumstances, but it is evident that they have taken account of the cost and particularly the wage inflation experienced over the whole of the past year.

70. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in respect of local authorities in Wales, he will give the estimated percentage change in rates for the year 1971–72, together with the comparative figures for the years 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70 and 1970–71.

Mr. Graham Page

Returns so far received suggest that average rate poundages in Wales in 1971–72 will increase by between 16 per cent. and 17 per cent. In previous years increases have ranged from 0.6 per cent. to 10.4 per cent.

Following is the information.

AVERAGE RATE POUNDAGES (WALES) INCREASE (PERCENTAGE)
Domestic Non-domestic
1965–66 … … 10.4 10.4
1966–67 … … 9.5 9.5
1967–68 … … 0.6 3.7
1968–69 … … 1.8 4.8
1969–70 … … 3.0 5.7
1970–71 … … 5.3 7.5