§ 46. Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the estimated level of rates on businesses in Northumberland in 1990–91.
§ Mr. GummerThe report of a preliminary survey carried out by the Inland Revenue of the effects of the uniform business rate and the 1990 revaluation of business property, which is available in the Library, suggests that rate bills for businesses in the northern region could fall by some £50 million a year once the transition to the new system is complete.
Separate figures on the effects of revaluation in Northumberland are not available. However, if the uniform business rate had been introduced this year the effect would have been to reduce the rate poundage paid by businesses in Northumberland by between 15 and 24 per cent. depending on the district council area concerned.