HC Deb 17 May 1989 vol 153 cc202-3W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding the special situation of hon. Members regarding community charge payments and liability.

Mr. Gummer

A few hon. Members have raised the position of those whose parliamentary duties require them to keep more than one home. Just as in any other case, it is for the relevant community charges registration officers to decide where an individual's main residence is for the purposes of the community charge. Like any other citizen, a Member of Parliament has the right to take such a decision to a valuation and community charge tribunal if he is dissatisfied.

Dr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his proposal to exclude from standard community charge unoccupied property which is held for the purpose of being available for occupation by a minister of religion as a residence from which to perform the duties of his or her office would also apply to unoccupied property owned by the Religious Society of Friends for the purposes of that society's ministry.

Mr. Ridley

[holding answer 11 May 1989]: The Government are currently consulting on the draft of a regulation under section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. The regulation—as drafted—sets a zero multiplier for the purposes of the standard charge for all unoccupied property which is held for the purpose of being available for occupation by a minister of religion as a residence from which to perform the duties of his office. The Government's proposal is to continue for the community charge the present position under the General Rate Act 1967. As is the case under the General Rate Act, the draft regulations do not give any definition of "minister of religion".

Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the poll tax per head in Oxford city.

Mr. Gummer

The Government have no plans to introduce a poll tax. Illustrative 1989–90 community charges in England will be published once detailed budget returns from local authorities have been received and analysed.