§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) of 21 February,Official Report, column 434, what place is occupied by Camden in the list of authorities with (a) the highest community charge, net of safety net, (b) the worst education results and (c) the largest rent arrears; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterAfter it had been capped, reducing its charge by £34, Camden set a community charge of £500 in 1990–91, the third highest in England. After allowing for the effect of the safety net, Camden's charge after capping is £425, the 27th highest in England.
Camden took over responsibility for education in April 1990. Before that it was part of the Inner London 56W education authority which, despite the highest spending per pupil in England, ranked 91st out of 96 local education authorities in terms of education results.
As at 31 March 1990, Camden had arrears of rent of £7.45 million, representing approximately 18 per cent. of the rent roll, the 10th highest level in England.