HC Deb 24 May 1974 vol 874 cc353-4W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest figures available showing the average percentage increases for (a) domestic and (b) industrial ratepayers within each of the new non-metropolitan and metropolitan counties of England, Scotland and Wales and in Greater London for the financial year 1974–75.

Mr. Oakes

The full returns are not yet complete. Details will be published in due course.

Mr. Neave

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now agree to meet the deputation, requested by the hon. Member for Abingdon, of the Vale of the White Horse district to discuss the imposition of the additional sum to be met by the ratepayers as a result of his decision to reduce domestic rate relief to the authority.

Mr. Oakes

I regret, not for the present. I have written to the hon. Member.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the average percentage increase in the domestic rating in the county of Cambridgeshire; and if he will also itemise the national average increase and identify those areas subject to the largest and the smallest net percentage increase.

Mr. Oakes

Returns on rates in Cambridgeshire and in many other areas are still incomplete. Average rates for all authorities will be published in due course in "Rates and Rateable Values", the annual publication by the Department of the Environment.

Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to amend the appropriate legislation to enable local authorities to offer discount for prompt payment of the domestic proportion of rates on unused properties.

Mr. Oakes

No amendment is necessary. Section 54 of the General Rate Act 1967 gives rating authorities discretion to allow a discount for the prompt payment of any rate.

Mr. Tom King

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the approximate shares of the overall increase of 30 per cent. for domestic rates in his answer to the hon. and learned Member for Runcorn (Mr. Carlisle) of 20th May attributable to (a) inflation, (b) reorganisation and (c) additional services provided.

Mr. Oakes

It is not possible to attribute shares on this basis. Individual local authorities determine their rates in the light of all the factors affecting their expenditure and income.