HL Deb 05 April 1990 vol 517 cc1618-9WA
Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which local authorities have decided to levy the standard community charge on prisoners' sole unoccupied homes; at what level and with what multiplier has each local authority levied the standard community charge on prisoners' unoccupied homes; and in which local authorities were prisoners previously charged rates on their sole unoccupied homes.

Lord Hesketh

The information is not available. However, we will be monitoring the use local authorities make of their discretion to specify additional classes and if necessary we will consider further prescription by the Secretary of State.

Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether prisoners are liable to pay the standard community charge: (a) on their rented sole unoccupied homes and (b) on sole unoccupied homes owned by themselves.

Lord Hesketh

A person is subject to a standard charge if he owns domestic property which is neither his nor any other person's sole or main residence. No liability attaches to the owner of unoccupied, substantially unfurnished property for a period of three months. Thereafter local authorities have a discretion to extend that period or to set a multiplier which may be at 0,½ 1, 1½ or 2 times the personal community charge for their area. This discretion enables authorities if they wish to take account of the particular circumstances of individuals such as prisoners. I understand that some authorities have made use of this discretion.