HC Deb 16 February 1981 vol 999 c54W
Mr. David Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much domestic rates have risen in comparison with the cost of living since 1970.

Mr. King

Average domestic rate bills in England and Wales—after allowing for rebates—rose from £44.50 in 1970–71 to £182 in 1980–81, an increase of 309 per cent. In the same period the United Kingdom retail price index rose by 265 per cent.