§ Lord Napier and Ettrickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is now permissible for a local authority in England to abolish the payment of rates on a half-yearly basis, and to insist on full payment on demand in May and, if this be so, whether there is any reason why the payment should not be made in full in October, as is the practice in Scotland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Skelmersdale)In England and Wales payment of rates falls due, in full, seven days after they are demanded. Rating authorities may declare that the rate is to be paid by instalments: usually on a half-yearly basis in April and October. Separately, any ratepayer (domestic or business) may elect to pay rates by a minimum of 10 monthly instalments.350WA In Scotland, payment of rates is 10 monthly instalments is automatic. Payment in full in October arises only where instalment payments have been withheld.