§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take on the introduction of the new community charge to ensure that the inequalities of the grant-related expenditure formula for Harborough and similar large rural type authorities are not perpetuated in the new system of local government finance, either in the transitional period or in the longer term.
§ Mr. HowardThe needs assessment to be introduced in the new community charge system will continue to reflect 485W the real disparities in the circumstances of different areas which affect authorities' need to spend in order to provide a standard level of service efficiently, but they will be simpler and more stable than at present. The details of the methodology will be decided after discussion with local authority representatives.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 19 November 1987,Official Report, column 671, if he is now in a position to list the precise parts of a farm business liable to pay the non-domestic rate; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. HowardA farm business may take many forms. However all such businesses are liable to be rated unless they come within the terms of section 26 of the General Rate Act as amended by the Rating Act 1971.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his definition of agricultural buildings in the context of the proposed uniform business rate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI refer the hon. Member to section 26 of the General Rate Act 1967 as amended by the Rating Act 1971. The Government have tabled amendments to the Local Government Finance Bill which would replicate those provisions in the new non-domestic rating system.