§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further developments have taken place since his announcement in December 1988 of the proposed maximum rate limits for rate capped authorities in 1989–90.
§ Mr. RidleyOf the seven rate-capped authorities, Tower Hamlets has accepted the proposed rate limit within the statutory period.
The remaining six authorities have not accepted the proposed limits. I have carefully considered all the representations made by these authorities, including their proposals to agree a different limit with me, and all other relevant information and representations.
In the case of Camden, I am now seeking from the council further information in relation to certain factual matters it has raised during its representations.
For the remaining five authorities I am now proposing:
- (a) in the case of three of these authorities—Greenwich, Lewisham and Thamesdown—no increase in the proposed rate limit;
- (b) in the case of Hackney and Southwark a higher limit, on which I am seeking agreement as follows:
- Hackney 113p (10.83p above the proposed limit)
- Southwark 97p (3o55p above the proposed limit)
Where I am unable to reach agreement with an authority on a different limit from the one I proposed in December, I am required under the Rates Act to prescribe the maximum by order.