§ Mr. Tim SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the composition of the community charge implementation unit; what are its terms of reference; and if it will publish guidance for local authorities.
§ Mr. HowardThe implementation sub-group of the community charge working group was established in November 1987 to provide a forum for discussion of issues arising from the implementation of the community charge. 125W The group comprises officials of the Department of the Environment, the Department of Health and Social Security and the Welsh Office, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, Association of District Councils, Association of County Councils, the London Boroughs Association and the Association of London Authorities.
The terms of reference of the group are to consider the practical issues arising from registration for, and billing, collection and recovery of the community charge, with a view to (a) providing an input to the preparation of regulations; (b) providing advice to local authority practitioners; (c) assessing the resource implications of implementing rate reform.
The sub-group will produce a series of practice notes on the implementation of the community charge for use by local authorities, professional bodies and other interested parties.