§ 27. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of local government income in Scotland comes from(a) the charge payer, (b) the business rate payer and (c) revenue support grant.
§ Mr. LangOn the basis of local authorities' budget estimates for 1990–91: 22 per cent. of local authority income will come from their community chargepayers; 23.4 per cent. from their business ratepayers; and 54.6 per cent. from revenue support grant and specific grants.
§ 36. Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the unpaid community charge in Tayside; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of representations about unpaid community charges from people living in Tayside region, including those who are concerned about the effect this may have on community charge levels next year. Local authorities have a number of powers available to them to enable them to collect arrears of community charge and they have a duty to make rigorous use of these to collect the charges due to them. It would be grossly unfair for any authority to increase next year's bills to cover non-payment and, instead, authorities should take account of any shortfall in income by adjusting their expenditure plans.
§ 32. Mr. DouglasTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on representations which have been made to him for the reform or abolition of the poll tax.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a number of representations about different aspects of the community charge arrangements. We are always prepared to consider any suggestions for making the present arrangements more effective, and to take action where appropriate.