HC Deb 23 April 1986 vol 96 c165W
11. Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average increase in domestic rates and non-domestic rates in (a) London and (b) the remainder of England in April 1986.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

On average, in London, domestic rates fell by 3.9 per cent. and non-domestic rates by 2.3 per cent.; in the rest of England there were rises of 18.3 per cent. and 16.4 per cent. respectively. The average increase for domestic rates in the whole of England is 13½ per cent., and for non-domestic rates 10.4 per cent., but these figures of course conceal wide variations.

34. Mr. Terry Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average increase in domestic and non-domestic rates in England in April 1986.

Mrs. Rumbold

Domestic and non-domestic rates in England rose by 13.5 and 10.4 per cent. respectively.

52. Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a figure for the losses to local authorities in London due to the late setting of rates in 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

It is for the independent district auditor to decide whether or not losses arose and, if so, to what extent, in those authorities which delayed setting a rate for 1985–86.