HC Deb 30 March 1990 vol 170 cc332-3W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total amount of expenditure spent to date on reimbursing service personnel in Scotland in compensation for community charges that are above the average.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The estimated total expenditure for 1989–90 is £146,426.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average service community charge in Scotland, as calculated for the purposes of reimbursement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is £291 for 1989–90.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated average service community charge in England and Wales, as calculated for the purposes of reimbursement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

For the purposes of accommodation charge refunds after 1 April 1990, the average service community charge for England, Scotland and Wales will be used. The actual figure will be available shortly. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage of service personnel in Scotland who are liable for community charges(a) below and (b) above the average, as calculated for the purposes of reimbursement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Some 35 per cent. of personnel in service accommodation in Scotland in 1989–90 are paying community charge below the service average, and 65 per cent. are paying above the average. I have no information on the community charge liability of service personnel living in their own homes, who are not eligible for accommodation charge refunds.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage of service personnel in Scotland who will be responsible for community charges above the average, as calculated for the purposes of reimbursement, but are not eligible for reimbursement of accommodation charges.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Some 50 per cent. of those in service accommodation, in 1989–90, fall into this category.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the percentage of service personnel in Scotland who will be responsible for community charges above the average, as calculated for the purposes of reimbursement, and will be eligible for reimbursement of accommodation charges.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Some 15 per cent. of those in service accommodation, in 1989–90, fall into this category.