HC Deb 26 July 1990 vol 177 cc578-9W
Mr. Dewar

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide an analysis, comparable with table 21.4.8 and with the local authority expenditure in Cm 1015, showing that local authority expenditure in Scotland which falls outside expenditure within his own responsibility.

Mr. Rifkind

The information is as follows:

Local authority expenditure in Scotland on services outwith the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland
£ million
1984–85 outturn 1985–86 outturn 1986–87 outturn 1987–88 outturn 1988–89 outturn 1989–90 estimated outturn
Current
Agriculture, fisheries and food 4 3 4 4 3 3
Trade, industry, energy and employment 7 9 9 9 13 13
Social security 257 299 349 404 423 478
Total 268 310 362 417 439 495
Capital
Trade, industry, energy and employment 2 1 0 1 0 0
Roads and transport 1 2 2 1 1 1
Total 3 2 2 2 2 1

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the revenue received in 1989–90 from those who were required to pay 20 per cent. of their poll tax; and what is the estimated revenue that will be received in 1990–91 from such payers.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The information requested is not held centrally.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the poll tax rate of collection he is assuming in determining the level of support for local authorities in 1991–92.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The decision that my right hon. and learned Friend announced yesterday was based on a considered view of what local authorities should reasonably spend next year and of the level of support from central Government that was appropriate. The decision took account in particular of views on these matters that had been expressed to him by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, but my right hon. and learned Friend did not accept the convention's suggestion that the taxpayer should be burdened with the consequences of the failure of local authorities to collect the sums due to them.

Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects people who had between £8,000 and £16,000 of savings in the financial year 1989–90 and who have applied for a poll tax rebate to have their claims decided; and when he intends to publish full details of how this particular rebate scheme is to be operated.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Draft regulations prescribing the details of the community charge special payments scheme have been the subject of consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and will be laid shortly. Responsibility for operating the proposed scheme will rest with local authorities and it will be for them to decide when they are able to make payments to successful claimants.