§ Mr. NorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average increase in community charge between 1989–90 and 1990–91, and the average increase in external finance between 1989–90 and 1990–91 for(a) all local authorities in Scotland, (b) separately for regional, district and island authorities and (c) for authorities separately by political control.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe information is as follows:
89W
Average increase in personal community charge 1989–90 to 1990–91 per cent. Average increase in external finance 1989–90 to 1990–91 per cent. a. All local authorities 8.71 6.42 b. Regions 8.57 6.03 Districts 9.39 8.09 Islands 1.32 9.92
Average increase in personal community charge 1989–90 to 1990–91 per cent. Average increase in external finance 1989–90 to 1990–91 per cent. c. i. Regions Labour 10.50 4.68 Independent 4.84 12.86 No overall control -3.63 11.14 ii. Districts Labour 10.52 5.70 Independent 7.54 17.16 Conservative -17.21 46.16 Liberal Democrat -0.24 24.88 SNP 5.77 13.53 No overall control 16.82 20.67 iii. Islands Independent 1.32 9.92 Notes:
1. The average increases in the community charge relate to the personal community charge only and are therefore exclusive of water charges.
2. Because non-domestic rate income did not become part of Government-determined support for local authorities' current expenditure until 1990–91 it is not possible to make a proper comparison of "external finance" between 1989–90 and 1990–91. The figures in the second column are all based on comparing revenue support grant and specific grants for 1989–90 plus the original Scottish Office estimate of each local authority's non-domestic rate income for that year with aggregate external finance for 1990–91.
3. Part (c) of the reply reflects composition of each authority at current rate.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has any plans to exempt(a) students and (b) student nurses from the poll tax in 1991–92;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to grant exemption from the poll tax for those visiting Scotland on exchange schemes;
(3) if he has any plans to end the 20 per cent. contribution rule applying to all poll tax payers whatever their income for 1991–2;
(4) if he proposes to exempt non-working partners from the poll tax in 1991–92;
(5) if he has any proposals to exempt elderly people being cared for at home, by relatives or friends from the poll tax in 1991–92.
§ Mr. Allan Stewart[holding answer 14 December 1990]: The Government are committed to a fundamental review of local government finance.