§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Kyle and Carrick and Cumnock and Doon Valley in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection, and (g) 70 per cent. collection.
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will required to employ in order to complete registration on the 67W community charge register in Kyle and Carrick and Cumnock and Doon Valley; and if he will estimate the annual extra costs involved.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish his proposals to ensure that residents in properties liable to the collective community charge who have already paid their personal community charge elsewhere do not pay twice.
§ Mr. LangSection 11(16) of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 makes provision for the repayment of sums paid by way of collective community charge contribution in these and comparable circumstances.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Dunfermline, West constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Dunfermline, West constituency.
§ Mr. McAllionasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Dundee, East constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will estimate the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Dundee, East constituency.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Dundee, West constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Dundee, West constituency.
§ Mr. Dunnachieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Glasgow, Pollok constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Glasgow, Pollok constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on 68W the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Dunnachieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average domestic rates bill in the Glasgow, Pollok constituency for each year since 1978 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms showing in each case, the percentage change between the years.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in the Midlothian constituency for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms showing, in each case, the percentage change between years.
§ 1. Mr. LangThe information requested is set out in the following table:
Midlothian District Council Average domestic rate bill Percentage change 1987–88 prices Percentage change £ Per cent. £ Per cent. 1978–79 152 — 309 — 1979–80 181 19 315 2 1980–81 263 45 386 23 1981–82 377 43 504 31 1982–83 353 -6 440 -13 1983–84 325 -8 387 -12 1984–85 365 12 417 8 1985–86 425 16 458 10 1986–87 441 4 461 1 1987–88 515 17 515 12 Note:
Source—Rating Review.
§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Midlothian constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Midlothian constituency.
Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Hamilton constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of personal community charge in the Hamilton constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection, and (g) 70 per cent. collection.
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Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in the Hamilton constituency for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms showing, in each case, the percentage change between years.
§ 1. Mr. LangThe information requested is as follows:
Hamilton District Council Average domestic rate bill Percentage change 1987–88 prices Percentage change £ Per cent. £ Per cent. 1978–79 149 — 303 — 1979–80 165 11 287 -5 1980–81 219 33 321 12 1981–82 317 45 424 32 1982–83 380 20 474 12 1983–84 369 -3 440 -7 1984–85 379 3 433 -2 1985–86 479 26 516 19 1986–87 516 8 539 5 1987–88 557 8 557 3 Notes:
Source—Rating Review.
2. The GDP deflator has been used to convert average rate bills to 1987–88 prices.
§ Mr. McKelveyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in Kilmarnock and Loudoun for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) in real terms, showing, in each case, the percentage change between years.
§ Mr. LangThe information requested is set out in the table.
Kilmarnock and Loudoun District Council Average domestic rate bill Percentage change 1987–88 prices Percentage change £ per cent. £ per cent. 1978–79 129 262 1979–80 148 15 257 -2 1980–81 200 35 293 14 1981–82 272 36 363 24 1982–83 321 18 400 10 1983–84 327 2 390 -3 1984–85 348 6 397 2 1985–86 402 16 433 9 1986–87 437 9 457 6 1987–88 484 11 484 6 Notes:
1. Source—Rating Review.
2. The GDP deflator has been used to convert average rate bills to 1987–88 prices.
§ Mr. McKelveyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Kilmarnock and Loudoun in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Kilmarnock and Loudoun.
70W
§ Mr. McLeishasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Central Fife constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration of the community charge register of all adults in the constituency of Central Fife.
§ Mr. McLeishasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in the Central Fife constituency for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms showing, in each case, the percentage charge between years.
Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report the average domestic rates bill in the constituency of North Aberdeen for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms showing in each case, the percentage change between years.
Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the predicted level of the personal community charge in the constituency of North Aberdeen in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection, (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) how many numbers of staff will be required by the community registration officer in order to complete the registration of all adults in (a) Aberdeen and (b) the constituency of North Aberdeen; and what the extra cost will be.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland ( 1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the constituency of Falkirk, West in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 80 per cent. collection and (d) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the constituency of Falkirk, West.
§ Mrs. Fyfeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection, and (vii) 70 per cent collection;
71W(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Glasgow, Maryhill.
§ Mr. Gallowayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the constituency of Glasgow, Hillhead;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Glasgow, Hillhead constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a)100 per cent. collection, (b)95 per cent. collection, (c)90 per cent. collection, (d)85 per cent. collection, (e)80 per cent. collection, (f)75 per cent. collection and (g)70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Gallowayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in the Glasgow, Hillhead constituency for each year since 1978 in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms showing, in each case, the percentage change between years.
§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted amount of the personal community charge in Edinburgh Central to be collected in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Lothian region.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will give the estimated cost for the introduction of the community charge for each region, and the percentage of it taken up by salaries, office equipment, interest and capital repayments;
(2) if he will give the average domestic rates bill in Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency for each year since 1978 in (a)cash terms and (b)real terms showing, in each case, the percentage change between years.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the percentage of the cost of introducing the community charge which will be paid for by central Government.
§ Mr. LangProvision for local authority current expenditure provision in 1988–89 includes £9 million for the cost of introducing the community charge and £3 million for the cost of related changes to housing benefit arrangements. Provision for subsequent years will reflect the cost of collecting the community charge in the same way as for the cost of rate collection at present. Local72W authority expenditure is supported by rate support grant from central Government. In 1989–90 this will be replaced by revenue support grant. Both of these are grants in aid of the general revenues of authorities and are not hypothecated to individual items of expenditure.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what means eligibility for improvement and repairs grants will be decided following introduction of the community charge.
§ Mr. LangThe Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 makes no change in the statutory criteria for eligibility for these grants. Section 5 to the Act makes provision for the construction, with effect from 1 April 1989, of references in enactments to the gross annual value, net annual value or rateable value of any property which constitutes domestic subjects and for the provision of a certificate by the assessor where necessary.
§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the number of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register for all adults in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a) 100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c) 90 per cent. collection, (d) 85 per cent. collection, (e) 80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Dunfermline, West constituency.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThis information is not available centrally on a constituency basis.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Glasgow, Shettleston constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Glasgow, Shettleston constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in the Glasgow, Shettleston constituency for each year since 1978 in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms, showing in each case the percentage change between years.
§ Mr. McAvoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Glasgow, Rutherglen constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Glasgow, Rutherglen constituency in the financial year 1989 to 1990, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. McAvoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the average domestic rates bill in Glasgow, Rutherglen constituency for each year in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms, showing in each case the percentage change between years.
§ Mr. Nigel Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Edinburgh, South constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in areas covered by Dunfermline, East constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (1) 100 per cent. collection, (2) 95 per cent. collection, (3) 90 per cent. collection, (4) 85 per cent. collection, (5) 80 per cent. collection, (6) 75 per cent. collection, and (7) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Ingramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the East Kilbride constituency;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the constituency of East Kilbride in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (1) 100 per cent. collection, (2) 95 per cent. collection, (3) 90 per cent. collection, (4) 85 per cent. collection, (5) 80 per cent. collection, (6) 75 per cent. collection and (7) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. McAllionasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Dundee, East constituency.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information is not readily available.
§ Mr. McFallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of 74W the personal community charge in Dumbarton constituency in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Dumbarton constituency.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Cathcart constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many changes in the community charge register he estimates will be needed each year after 1990 in order to ensure that it is always accurate.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many extra staff each regional and island council has told him will be necessary to compile the community charge register;
(2) if he has received from each regional and island council its estimate of the costs of compiling and maintaining the community charge register.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend has not received this information from each regional and islands council.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish his proposals to ensure that residents in properties liable to the collective community charge who are entitled to a rebate do not pay the full cost.
§ Mr. LangPeople resident in properties liable to the collective community charge will be liable to pay the landlord a collective community charge contribution at the same daily level as the personal community charge for the area. Rebates will be available for the collective community charge contribution at the same level as for the personal community charge.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of foreign nationals living in Scotland who will be liable to pay the community charge.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the community charge liability of (i) foreign service men serving in Scotland and (ii) foreign diplomatic staff resident in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangIn fulfilment of the NATO status of forces agreement, visiting forces are at present exempted from 75W rates, as well as from British income tax and various other forms of taxation. Some contribution towards the rate liability of accommodation occupied by visiting forces is, however, made by the relevant Governments. Diplomats are in a similar position. The Government are now considering what arrangements should be made about payment in respect of visiting forces and diplomats under the community charge system.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland he estimates will be liable to pay the community charge.
§ Mr. LangPrecise figures are not available, but it is broadly estimated that about 10,000 students in Scotland may fall into this category. All students attending full-time courses of education in Scotland will be liable to pay only 20 per cent. of the personal community charge.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from local authorities in England and Wales and from student organisations about his understanding that students' courses in Scottish institutions of further or higher education will receive grants that will fully compensate them for their community charge payments.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend has received representations from the National Union of Students in Scotland and from various student representative councils. He has received no representations from local authorities in England and Wales on this issue.
Students in Scotland whose courses meet the definition of "a full-time course of education", which will be prescribed in regulations, will be liable to pay only 20 per cent. of the community charge.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether students from foreign countries studying in Scotland will be liable to pay the community charge in full; and what steps he has taken to ensure that all institutions of further and higher education inform all such students coming to study after 1989 of this liability.
§ Mr. ForsythStudents from outwith the United Kingdom studying at Scottish educational institutions will be deemed to be resident in Scotland and will be liable to pay the community charge. If the courses which they are following meet the definition of "a full-time course of education", which will be prescribed in regulations, their liability will be limited to 20 per cent.
It will be for the institutions concerned to determine how best they might incorporate this information in the general advice about Scotland which they commonly offer to such students.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students from foreign countries undertaking courses at Scottish institutions of further or higher education he estimates will be liable to pay the community charge.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIt is estimated that in Session 1985–86, the latest date for which figures are available, there were some 8,462 students from outwith the United Kingdom studying at institutions of further or higher education in Scotland.
All students from outwith the United Kingdom who are deemed to be resident in Scotland will be liable to pay the 76W community charge, but if their courses meet the definition of "a full-time course of education" (which will be prescribed in regulations) their liability will be limited to 20 per cent.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what definition of the term severely mentally handicapped he proposes to use; and when he intends to issue guidelines for the determination of those who will be exempt from the community charge under this definition.
§ Mr. LangThe exemption from personal community charge liability for the severely mentally handicapped will apply to persons suffering from a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind which includes severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning.
A consultation paper on the procedures for identifying these people was issued by the Scottish Office on 22 October.
§ Mr. Robin Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Livingston;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Livingston in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (a)100 per cent. collection, (b)95 per cent. collection, (c)90 per cent. collection, (d)85 per cent. collection, (e)80 per cent. collection, (f)75 per cent. collection and (g)70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Buchanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the Paisley, South constituency in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a)100 per cent. collection, (b)95 per cent. collection, (c)90 per cent. collection, (d)85 per cent. collection, (e)80 per cent. collection, (f)75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the Paisley, South constituency.
§ Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the constituency of Cunninghame, South in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a)100 per cent. collection, (b) 95 per cent. collection, (c)90 per cent. collection, (d)85 per cent. collection, (e)80 per cent. collection, (f)75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in the constituency of Cunninghame, South.
§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the city of Glasgow in the year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (a)100 per cent. collection, (b)95 per cent. collection, (c)90 per cent. collection, (d)85 per cent. collection, (e)80 per cent. collection, (f) 75 per cent. collection and (g) 70 per cent. collection, and assuming in each case that the levels of 77W expenditure by Glasgow district and Strathclyde regional council in 1989–90 and the same in real terms as those budgeted for 1987–88.
§ Mr. John Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Monklands, East in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Monklands, East.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth in the financial year 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
§ Mr. Maxtonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of premises in Scotland in relation to which payment of the standard community charge will he made.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table in the Official Report showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in (a) Greenock and Port Glasgow, (b) Strathclyde region and (c) Scotland as a whole in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection;
(2) if he will estimate the number of staff that the community charge registration scheme will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in (a) Greenock and Port Glasgow, (b)Strathclyde Region and (c) Scotland as a whole.
§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary for State for Scotland what is his best estimate of the average payment of the poll tax to be levied up on each adult in Inverclyde in each of the years (a) 1989–90, (b) 1990–91, and (c) 1991–92.
§ Mr. Allen Adamsasked the Secretary for State for Scotland (1) if he will publish a table showing the predicted 78W level of the personal community charge in Paisley, North in the financial years 1989–90 calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection. (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.
(2) if he will publish an estimate of the number of staff that the community charge registration office will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Renfew district.
§ Dr. Reidasked the Secretary for State for Scotland which sources of information about citizens and their families will be available for scrutiny by civil servants for the purpose of applying the community charge in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangCivil servants will not be involved in the registration, levying or collection procedures for the community charge system in Scotland.
§ Mr. Dunnachieasked the Secretary for State for Scotland which sources of information about citizens and their families will be available for scrutiny by civil servants for the purpose of applying the community charge in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangCivil servants will not be involved in the registration, levying or collection procedures for the community charge system in Scotland.
§ Mr. Dunnachieasked the Secretary for State for Scotland what will he the nature and estimated amount of funding given to local authorities in Scotland for the purpose of collecting the proposed community charge.
§ Mr. LangProvision for local authority current expenditure provision in 1988–89 includes £9 million for the cost of introducing the community charge and £3 million for the cost of related changes to housing benefit arrangements. Provision for subsequent years will reflect the cost of collecting the community charge in the same way as for the cost of rate collection at present. Local authority expenditure is supported by rate support grant from central Government. In 1989–90 this will be replaced by revenue support grant. Both of these are grants in aid of the general revenues of authorities and are not hypothecated to individual items of expenditure.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland who will pay for the extra equipment and staff that the local authorities will require to administer the poll tax.
§ Mr. LangProvision for local authority current expenditure provision in 1988–89 includes £9 million for the cost of introducing the community charge and £3 million for the cost of related changes to housing benefit arrangements. Provision for subsequent years will reflect the cost of collecting the community charge in the same way as for the cost of rate collection at present. Local authority expenditure is supported by rate support grant from central Government. In 1989–90 this will be replaced by revenue support grant. Both of these are grants in aid of the general revenues of authorities and are not hypothecated to individual items of expenditure
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if an elderly parent is being cared for at home, whether he or she will have to pay the poll tax.
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§ Mr. LangA person in this position who is solely or mainly resident at home will be liable to pay the personal community charge. A system of rebates of up to 80 per cent. of personal community charge liability will be available for those on low incomes and the levels of income support—which will replace supplementary benefit in April 1988—will be raised to take account of the average minimum contribution to the charge.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what help will be given to those who are currently on family income supplement to pay the poll tax.
§ Mr. LangPeople in receipt of family credit—which will replace family income supplement on 1 April 1988—will be eligible, in appropriate cases, for rebates of up to 80 per cent. of their personal community charge liability.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the Government's estimates of the percentage of those eligible to pay poll tax who will do so.
§ Mr. LangI am confident that the systems provided for by the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 will allow for the efficient collection and recovery of the community charge.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, from Government figures, which groups will be worse off under the poll tax.
§ Mr. LangAn analysis of households gaining and losing as a result of the introduction of the community charge was contained in Annex J of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government", Cmnd. 9714.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what sources of information will be used to establish and maintain the poll tax register.
§ Mr. LangSections 17 and 18 of the Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 sets out the arrangements for the provision of information to community charges registration officers. The main sources of information will be a "responsible person" who will respond to canvass inquiries in respect of each address, and individuals who are required to notify the registration officer when their registration details change. The registration officer will also have access to relevant records held by local authorities. Draft regulations on registration matters were recently issued by the Scottish Office for comment by interested bodies.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on electoral roll registration of its possible use of a source of information for the poll tax.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend has made no such estimate. The implementation of the community charge system is a quite separate process from electoral registration and should have no adverse impact on it.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what will happen to a young person, unemployed, and with no material possessions, who does not pay poll tax;
(2) what action will be taken against those who do not pay poll tax.
§ Mr. LangThe procedures for the recovery of unpaid community charges by the Abolition of Domestic Rates80W Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 are similar to those now available for unpaid rates, recently revised by the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987. People on the lowest incomes will be eligible for rebates of up to 80 per cent. of their personal community charge liability, and income support levels will be raised to take account of the average minimum contribution.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether those who are disabled will have to pay the poll tax;
(2) whether the unemployed will have to pay the poll tax;
(3) how the system will ensure that those on supplementary benefit are not pushed into further hardship;
(4) whether a person on YTS will have to pay poll tax;
(5) whether the low paid will have to pay the full amount of poll tax;
(6) what rebate from poll tax there will be for a part-time shopworker, with no other paid employment;
(7) whether participants on the community programme will have to pay poll tax.
§ Mr. LangThe community charge will be payable by all those aged 18 and over who have their sole or main residence in each local authority area, apart from those in respect of whom child benefit is payable; the severely mentally handicapped; residents in nursing homes, residential care homes and hostels providing an equivalent level of care; long-term hospital patients; and prisoners. Rebates of up to 80 per cent. will be available to those on low incomes. They will be calculated on a basis which takes account of personal circumstances such as disability. Those receiving income support (which will replace supplementary benefit in April 1988) will receive the maximum rebate and the levels of income support will be raised to take account of the average 20 per cent minimum contribution.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a merchant seaman away from home for months at a time will have to pay the full amount of poll tax.
§ Mr. LangIt will be for community charge registration officers to determine, in the light of the facts and circumstances of each case, where a person is solely or mainly resident and hence what is his personal community charge liability. That determination will be subject to appeal to the registration officer in the first instance and from his decision to the sheriff.
§ Mr. Grahamasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish an estimate of the numbers of staff that the community charge registration officer will be required to employ in order to complete registration on the community charge register of all adults in Renfrewshire, West and Inverclyde;
(2) if he will publish a table showing the predicted level of the personal community charge in the constituency of Renfrewshire, West and Inverclyde in the financial year 1989–90, calculated on the basis of (i) 100 per cent. collection, (ii) 95 per cent. collection, (iii) 90 per cent. collection, (iv) 85 per cent. collection, (v) 80 per cent. collection, (vi) 75 per cent. collection and (vii) 70 per cent. collection.