HC Deb 19 June 1985 vol 81 cc120-1W
12. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total amount of rate rebate claimable in 1985–86 in respect of properties in the Kirkcaldy district council area, under the provisions of the Rating (Revaluation Rebates) (Scotland) Bill.

Mr. Younger

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has advised me that Fife region as rating authority is likely to pay £969,000 in revaluation rate rebates in 1985–86, but it has made no estimate of the apportionment among properties in different districts. The hon. Gentleman may wish to seek this information from Fife regional council.

24. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount to be given in rate relief under the terms of the Rating (Revaluation Rebates) (Scotland) Bill to ratepayers in Central region; and of that amount how much will be paid to ratepayers in the area of Falkirk district council.

Mr. Ancram

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has advised me that Central region as rating authority is likely to pay £1.24 million in revaluation rate rebates in 1985–86. But it has made no estimate of the apportionment among properties in different districts. The hon. Member may wish to seek this information from Central regional council.

30. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount to be given in rate relief under the terms of the Rating (Revaluation Rebates) (Scotland) Bill to ratepayers in Lothian region; and of that amount how much will be paid to ratepayers in the area of Midlothian district council.

Mr. Ancram

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has advised me that Lothian region as rating authority is likely to pay £5.509 million in revaluation rate debates in 1985–86. But it has made no estimate of the apportionment among properties in different districts. The hon. Member may wish to seek this information from Lothian regional council.

Mr. Dewar

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he can give any estimate of the number of lock-up garages in Scotland which will be eligible for rating relief in terms of the Rating (Revaluation Rebates) (Scotland) Bill; and what total sum is likely to be paid out to this category of ratepayer in the year 1985–86;

(2) if he can give any estimate of the number of poster sites in Scotland which will be eligible for rating relief in terms of Rating (Revaluation Rebates) (Scotland) Bill; and what total sum is likely to be paid out to this category of ratepayer in the year 1985–86.

Mr. Younger

The information requested is not held centrally.

Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the average rate increase for commercial ratepayers has been in local authority areas where expenditure in the last financial year was kept within his guidelines.

Mr. Ancram

Average commercial rate bills increased by some 18 per cent. in 1985–86 over 1984–85 in the areas of local authorities in Scotland where spending planned by both the regional and the district councils or by the islands council was within guidelines.