§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the situation of tied tenants who own separate accommodation for retirement or job loss and are liable for both personal and standard community charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloIn addition to the classes of circumstances which have been prescribed by the Secretary of State, authorities have wide discretion to specify their own standard charge classes so as to reduce the standard charge278W multiplier or to levy no charge. We have given authorities advice on the scope and exercise of their discretion. It is open to authorities to provide for cases where a person is required to live elsewhere as a condition of his employment, such as in the case of tied tenants.
I am concerned that not all authorities are using their discretion sensitively and my right hon. Friend is considering what further adjustments may be needed for 1991–92.