§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average percentage increase in rates and in wages, respectively, during the last convenient 12-month period; and if he will seek to ensure that increases in rates do not exceed the average wage increase in the future.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe most recent 12-month period during which increases in earnings can be compared with increases in rates is from April 1976 to April 1977. During this period the average gross weekly earnings of men aged 21 and over and women aged 18 and over in England and Wales rose by 9.4 per cent. and the average general rates in England and Wales rose by 10.088 per cent. The figures for the whole of the United Kingdom are not available.
Individual authorities must decide the rates they need to levy in the light of their own financial circumstances and decisions about expenditure.