§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has had on behalf of YT trainees with special needs who have to pay the poll tax out of their youth training wage; what reply he has sent; if he will now reconsider the imposition of the tax in these cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloWe have received a number of letters suggesting that YT trainees with special training needs endorsements should be made exempt from the community charge. It is a fundamental principle of the community charge that almost all adults should make some level of contribution. Many YT trainees, including those with special needs, are eligible for substantial reductions through the community charge benefit scheme as are others with low incomes. There is no justification for an exemption in this case.