HC Deb 08 March 1985 vol 74 c616W
Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the average sums paid in rates by domestic ratepayers in Wales, gross and net of rate rebates, in each year since 1977–78.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The average sum paid by domestic ratepayers gross and net of rate rebates in each year since 1977–78 is as follows:

Gross Net of Rate Rebates
£ £
1977–78 68 64
1978–79 77 72
1979–80 97 91
1980–81 128 119
1981–82 155 143
*1982–83 184 165
1983–84 186 147
1984–85 201 160
* From 1982–83 domestic rate relief was 18.5p/£ compared with 36p/£ in the earlier years shown.

Figures from 1982–83 onwards are not comparable with the earlier years for the average sum paid net of rate rebates because of the introduction of the housing benefit scheme. Rate rebates paid to supplementary benefit recipients are included for local authority tenants from November 1982 and for all recipients from April 1983. Equivalent sums paid to supplementary benefit recipients under previous arrangements are not included.