§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the actual or estimated cost of rate rebates in England and Wales in the financial years 1977–78 and 1978–79.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe total value of rate rebates granted by local authorities in 1977–78 in England and Wales was about £140 million. This figure includes additional amounts of rebate granted under locally adopted variations to the statutory rate rebate scheme. A specific exchequer grant meets 90 per cent. of the cost of those rebates granted under the statutory rate rebate scheme.
I estimate that the equivalent figure for 1978–79 will be between £150 million and £155 million.