§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the average sums paid in rates by domestic ratepayers in England, gross and net of rate rebates, in each year since 1977–78.
§ Mr. Kenneth Baker[pursuant to his reply, 8 March 1985]: Following is the available information:
Average domestic rate bills in England (£) Gross of rate rebates Net of rate rebates* 1977–78 119 111 1978–79 131 122 1979–80 155 145 1980–81 199 185 1981–82 245 225 1982–83 282 *252 1983–84 303 *242 1984–85 323 *257 * The rate rebate figures netted off include those paid in respect of supplementary benefit recipients under the housing benefit scheme, which was partially introduced in November 1982 and fully in April 1983. Equivalent sums paid to supplementary benefit recipients under the previous arrangements are not netted off. Average domestic rate bills net of rate rebates for 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 on a consistent basis with the figures given for earlier years are £258, £277 and £296 respectively.