§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the average cash payments for general rates in respect of (a) a two-bedroomed flat and (b) a three-bedroomed house in the London borough of Greenwich when the present ceiling on rate rebate was 34W fixed; what is the average current rate payment for the same property; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the ceiling keeps pace with rate rises.
§ Mr. KingThe average cash payment for general rates in respect of a 'typical' (purpose-built) two-bedroom flat in the London borough of Greenwich was estimated to be about £4.00 per week in 1980–81 when the existing maxima were set, and about £6.00 per week in 1981–82; for a three-bedroomed (semi-detached) house it was estimated to be about £4.50 per week in 1980–81 and about £6.75 per week in 1981–82. The average rate bill for all types of domestic property in Greenwich is currently estimated to be about £5.25 per week.
As from 23 November 1981, the rate rebate maximum in London will be increased to £9.00 per week. The average domestic rate bill for London as a whole is currently about £6.80 per week. I am satisfied, therefore, that the increased ceiling for rate rebate entitlement will remain in step with average rate levels in London.