HC Deb 20 January 1988 vol 125 cc741-2W
19. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has had any representations from Dulwich regarding the proposed poll tax legislation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ridley

Since the publication of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" I have received six such representations, and one from someone with a second home there.

20. Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will be taking on the petition against the poll tax from the people of Nottingham presented to the House on 16 December 1987.

Mr. Howard

My right hon. Friend will be making his observations on the petition from residents of Nottingham shortly.

33. Mr. Fearn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the additional costs to hostels for homeless people resulting from the proposed community charge.

Mr. Howard

There is no need for hostels to incur additional costs under the new system. Hostel residents will pay the community charge either direct, or via their landlord in the form of collective community charge contribution. Landlords of properties designated for the collective community charge will be able to keep five per cent. of the conributions to cover administrative costs.

49. Mr. Fraser

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the population of Lambeth which is likely to be unable to pay the community charge.

Mr. Howard

I hope that Lambeth borough council and ILEA will ensure by their spending behaviour that the community charge in Lambeth will never exceed a modest and affordable level. People on low incomes will, of course, be eligible for rebates of up to 80 per cent. to help them pay the charge.