HC Deb 23 March 1987 vol 113 cc59-61W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether a grant will be made to local authorities to publicise the means of payment of rates by those who will receive income support; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Such a grant is not necessary. The rate demands and notice of rates and precepts rules 1985 provide that each rate demand note shall contain a statement about the rights of ratepayers to elect to pay rates by instalments; and shall also give a general indication of the right to a rebate, and contain a statement that the rating authority will, on request, provide further information about the availability of such a rebate.

Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will give the total figure that he now expects to provide in rate support grant to English counties in 1987–88; and if he will also list the amount payable to each county;

(2) if he will list county by county the population figures upon which the 1987–88 rate support grant has been based.

Mr. Chope

The total amount available for block grant for counties in England in 1987–88 is £3,814 million for total expenditure equal to the settlement assumption. Details of individual authorities' grant entitlement and information about population data are included in tables which were made available in the Vote Office and Libraries of the House on 20 March 1987.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider establishing a national weekly collection system for rates payments by persons on income support through the Post Office; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

All ratepayers have the right to pay their annual rates bills in at least 10 instalments. It is for individual local authorities to decide whether they wish to allow more than ten instalments, and to establish payment arrangements appropriate to their areas.

Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by authority what projected rate fund balances appear in their rates estimates for 1987–88.

Mr. Chope

The information is currently being returned and is not yet available for most authorities. The return date for the inquiry is 1 April.