§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet able to indicate the projected average poll tax for England based on 1989–90 local expenditure figures; and which local authorities would be above or below that figure.
§ Mr. John GummerThe Government have no plans to introduce a poll tax.
Figures placed in the Library on 19 July show the illustrative community charge in each English local authority based on 1989–90 rate levels. The average is £274.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the likely level of poll tax in(a) Burnley, (b) Pendle, (c) Rossendale, and (d) Hyndburn as from 1 April on the assumption that current patterns of expenditure are maintained within those boroughs and by Lancashire county council.
§ Mr. GummerThe Government have no plans to introduce a poll tax.
I have made no estimate of the likely level of community charge in any area. Illustrative 1989–90 community charge levels were placed in the Library on 19 July.