§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the three highest percentage increases in general rates, notified by rating authorities in England and Wales for the years 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe highest percentage increases are:
(a) 1974–75 over 1973–74: Ceredigion 138 per cent. South Pembroke 121 per cent. Holderness 121 per cent. (b) 1975–76 over 1974–75: Ealing 63 per cent. City of London 60 per cent. Hillingdon 59 per cent. Because of the 1973 rating revaluation it is not possible to make direct comparisons of general rates in 1973–74 and 1972–73. General rates in 1974–75 and 1975–76 do not include charges for water service; for purposes of comparison such charges have been excluded from the 1973–74 figures. In districts where differential rating applies average figures are shown.