§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to enable authorities which rate empty properties not to include those that can be shown to be waiting for early modernisation and renovation.
§ Mr. OakesNo. Rating authorities already have wide enough discretion to exclude property of this sort from the application of the empty property rate,
220W
§ Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities in the West Midlands raise rates on empty industrial property; and what guidance he has given to them on the need to ensure the maintenance of industrial capacitly in this area of high unemployment.
§ Mr. OakesMy information is that five authorities in the West Midlands levy this rate. They have wide discretion under the relevant legislation in relation to the level of the empty property rate and the kinds of premises in respect of which it is levied and I do not consider that special guidance is called for in respect of industrial property.