§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average cost per person of collecting the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonOn the basis of local authorities' budget estimates, the cost of collecting the community charge in 1990–91 will be £13.86 per personal charge payer. This figure includes the cost of the registration work but excludes the cost of operating the rebate and transitional relief schemes. Full account has been taken in successive revenue support grant settlements of the costs incurred by local authorities in collecting the community charge.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the number of people who have not so far paid the poll tax for 1989–90; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not held centrally but we understand that in most regions 85 to 95 per cent. of those eligible for the community charge have made some payment, with a figure of 98 per cent. in one area. Payment levels are increasing as local authorities employ procedures for recovering arrears.