§ 25. Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what attempts he has made to quantify the effects of the industrial action taken by NALGO on the implementation and collection of the poll tax in Scotland; and what action he has taken as a consequence.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe responsibility for collecting the community charges lies with local authorities.
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§ 26. Mr. DouglasTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the numbers of people who have failed to pay the poll tax and who have had served on them notices that the whole year's tax is due.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe responsibility for collecting community charges and for the recovery of arrears lies with local authorities. Information on the number of people against whom action is being taken to collect arrears is not held centrally. Indications are, however, that very good progress in collection is being made, with over 90 per cent. having paid in some areas.
§ 28. Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the number of people in Scotland who have not yet paid at least the first instalment of the poll tax.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonLocal authorities have reported good progress in the collection of the community charge with over 90 per cent. of payers having paid in some areas. This is very encouraging given that the community charge is a completely new tax with many more people paying it than paid domestic rates. I am confident that payment levels will continue to rise as local authorities issue their reminder letters.
§ 43. Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will change the calculation of the revenue support grant from his Department to local authorities to assume no multiplier on the standard community charge.
§ Mr. RifkindI will consult the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities shortly, in the usual way, on proposals for distributing revenue support grant for next year.
§ 51. Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has undertaken as part of policy formulation for community care in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangSir Roy Griffiths' report on community care was drawn to the attention of local authorities and health boards when it was published and a wide range of representations was received from them and from the voluntary sector. Since my right hon. and learned Friend's statement on 12 July 1989, I have had a meeting with the social work committee of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Further consultation with local authority, voluntary and private sector interests will take place as appropriate.
§ 52. Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the provision of community care in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI met representatives of the Convention's social work committee on 8 September 1989 to discuss the Government's proposals for the provision of community care. It was a constructive meeting at which it was agreed that further consultation would take place as appropriate.