§ 55. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of current increases in rateable values in Scotland and consequent increases in rates being demanded, if he will seek powers to require local authorities in cases he considers appropriate to reduce the charges to be met by landward and burgh ratepayers.
§ Mr. YoungerLocal authorities must be allowed to manage their own financial affairs, but my right hon. Friend has urged them not to take advantage of increased rateable values, in order to charge ratepayers more than they can afford. Revaluation in itself does not increase rates, but only changes their incidence to accord with current rental values.