§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will fix the standard community charge on empty farm cottages in England and Wales on the same basis as that in Scotland.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Government have provided that local authorities may not levy a standard charge for at least three months where properties, including farm cottages, are empty and substantially unfurnished. Local authorities have discretion to increase this period if they wish; and to levy a standard charge of less than the maximum if they want to. This discretion has been given to authorities precisely so that they can reflect local circumstances. We will be monitoring the position closely over the next few months to see if changes are necessary for 1991–92.