§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from borough treasurers about the administration of the proposed community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe Association of District Council Treasurers and the Society of Metropolitan Treasurers responded to the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714). Both accepted the need to reform local government finance, but expressed concern about the proposal for a community charge, partly on administrative grounds. It was because of such concerns that the Government published on 15 December 1986 a document setting out how the community charge will work.
A number of other representations were received from borough treasurers writing on behalf of their councils. A summary of all the responses to the Green Paper was placed in the Library on 15 December.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the likely cost to local authorities of collecting a community charge as opposed to domestic rates; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI shall answer this question shortly.