HC Deb 29 June 1971 vol 820 cc101-2W
Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue a circular to local authorities advising them that the total rate burden to be placed on ratepayers should not be in any way influenced by the present revaluation.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I have already done so. In a circular issued on 19th April I said that I wasparticularly concerned that local authorities should not take advantage of the impending increases in rateable values resulting from the 1971 quinquennial revaluation in order to under take the development and improvement of their services at a cost beyond what the country and the ratepayers can afford".

Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representation he has received regarding the rating revaluation: and what advice he has given to local authorities.

Estimated Cost
£
New hospitals … … … … … … … 48,038,000
Additional beds in existing hospitals … … … … … … … 1,697,000
Other improvements in existing hospitals … … … … … … … 1,436,000
Operating theatres … … … … … … … 224,000
X-Ray and radiotherapy departments … … … … … … … 292,000
Out-patient and casualty departments … … … … … … … 1,015,000
Other medical departments … … … … … … … 349,000
Laundries, kitchen and engineering works … … … … … … … 1,792,000
Other departments … … … … … … … 1,383,000
£56,226,000

Further particulars of schemes costing over £50,000 (a) completed during the year, and (b) in progress at 31st March, 1971 are as follows:

(a) SCHEMES COSTING OVER £50,000 COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1971
Estimated Cost
£
NORTHERN REGION
Central Hospital, Inverness … … Phase 1 of new hospital comprising outpatient, accident and diagnostic departments, central laboratory, boilerhouse and engineering services … 1,819,000
Nurse training school … 162,000
Raigmore Hospital, Inverness … … Conversion of heating services … 55,000

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Most of the representations I have received concern increases in the assessments of individual properties; the level of valuation in particular areas; and the effect of revaluation on the distribution of the resources element of Rate Support Grant. Postponement of revaluation has been suggested. I have given local authorities no advice about revaluation, which is not their responsibility.