§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to adjust the workings of the home loss payments scheme in the light of the introduction of the community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeSince home loss payments are calculated as a multiple of rateable value, some adjustment will be necessary as a consequence of the introduction of the community charge. My right hon. Friend is currently considering this matter.
§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there are any plans to compensate(a) members of the armed forces, (b) civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence, (c) other civil servants and (d) police officers, for high levels of poll tax, on the grounds that they have no choice as to where to live.
§ Mr. RidleyMembers of each of these groups will, unless exempt, be subject to the personal community charge in the same way as other members of the population. In respect of the Armed Forces, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence, is still considering the detailed practical implications of the charge.
There are no plans for compensating civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence, other Civil Servants or police officers.