HC Deb 23 July 1987 vol 120 cc371-2W
Mr Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how, under the proposed community charge legislation, he intends to recover unpaid community charges from the unemployed, self employed or retired.

Mr. Howard

The same recovery procedure which currently applies for domestic rates will continue to be available: local authorities will be empowered to seek a court order permitting distraint on goods.

Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consult organisations representing the interests of both elderly and disabled people prior to the introduction of a community charge.

Mr. Howard

The Government conducted a major consultation exercise following publication of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" (Cmnd. 9714). A number of voluntary and welfare organisations responded to the Green Paper, including Age Concern England, the British Pensioners and Trade Unions Action Association and the Spas tics Society.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are always prepared to listen to the views expressed by such organisations.

Mr. Summerson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment at what intervals property will be revalued for the unified business rate; and if at revaluation the rate in the pound will be adjusted accordingly.

Mr. Howard

There will be a general revaluation of non-domestic property in 1990. It is intended that there should be a further revaluation in 1995 and at intervals of no more than five years thereafter. In a year of revalution, the national non-domestic rate poundage will be adjusted in inverse proportion to the change in aggregate rateable value.

Mr. Summerson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration will be given when revaluing business properties for the introduction of the unified business rates to the possibility that, in some areas, recent substantial rate increases may not have had time to affect rental values.

Mr. Howard

When valuing a property for rating, the valuation office is required to ascertain the rent that a new tenant would be prepared to pay at the relevant date. Although existing rents for comparable properties are taken into account, the valuation officer may adjust them if they no longer reflect current local market conditions.