§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are taken to ensure that the rating assessments on dwellings owned by his Department and occupied by his staff are impartial.
§ Dr. GilbertI have been asked to reply.
Dwellings occupied by staff of the Department of the Environment in their official capacity are deemed to be in the occupation of the Crown and as such are not subject to liability for rates. Contributions in lieu of rates are, however, granted in respect of all such dwellings on bases determined by the Treasury Valuer. Payment is made in each case at the current rate poundage on a rateable value which is arrived at after discussion with the valuer representing the rating authority concerned, to ensure that the figure is fair and in line with the value of comparable dwellings in rateable occupation in the area.