HC Deb 11 June 1990 vol 174 c1W
Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the net incremental cost of exempting from the community charge(a) all persons over the age of 70 years and (b) all persons above the age of 75 years, taking into account the number of such persons already receiving rebate, transitional relief or exemption from the charge by reason of residence in registered residential or nursing homes or others.

Mr. Chope

I estimate the additional cost of exempting persons over the age of 70 from the community charge would be about £950 million whilst exempting persons over 75 would be about £600 million. Both figures are in addition to reductions already received in respect of transitional relief and community charge benefit.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will produce in tabular form for each district council in England and Wales the percentage figure of non-payment of the community charge.

Mr. Chope

This information is not available.

Mr. Richard Shepherd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his oral reply of 23 May to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn)Official Report, column 280, when he expects to be in a position to reply to the letters of the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills of 19 March and 10 May concerning proposals by Walsall councillors to direct resources and services away from wards on the basis of how they vote.

Mr. Chope

I have now written to the hon. Member.