§ 35. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the rating surcharge on commercial properties and the working of the hardship clause and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have received a number of representations, including those by the hon. Gentleman, concerning the surcharge and concerning the exercise by rating authorities of their power to reduce 367W or remit the surcharge on grounds of hardship. Most of the representations have been made by persons from whom the surcharge has been demanded before they have asked the authority to exercise that power; only a few have concerned refusals of authorities to reduce or remit the surcharge. I shall review the surcharge in the light of the report on local government finance by the Layfield Committee.