HC Deb 17 February 1992 vol 204 cc64-5W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has of(a) the yield from national non-domestic rates in England and Wales in (i) 1991–92 and (ii) 1992–93, (b) the yield from business rates in Scotland in (i) 1991–92 and (ii) 1992–93, (c) how the revenue between (a)(ii) and (a)(i), and (b)(ii) and (b)(i), respectively, breaks down in terms of the increases in poundage, changes in the commercial property base and changes in the valuations that have occurred.

Mr. Portillo

The estimated amount which I expect to be paid by way of rates and contributions in aid of rates for Crown property in England in respect of 1991–92 and 1992–93 are shown in the table together with the detailed assumptions. These estimates of yield formed the bases of the distributable amount of non-domestic rates for 1992–93 announced by my right hon. Friend on 6 November 1991.

1991–92 £million 1992–93 £million
Estimated gross rate yield (aggregate rateable value x multiplier) 13,369 13,923
Additions to Gross rate yield
Enterprise Zones coming into rating 21 56
Buoyancy between 1991–92 and 1992–93 (new and improved properties net of demolitions etc.) 156
Net effect of transitional arrangements 49 35
Reductions to Gross rate yield
Appeals in 1992–93 (gross of transitional arrangements) -176 -168
Reliefs, allowance for losses on collection etc. -1,226 -1,218
Net yield from ratepayers
(on an accruals basis, excluding the effect of appeals determined in future years) 12,037 12,784

The arrangements for non-domestic rates in Wales and Scotland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of cancelling the first monthly instalment of uniform business rate bills for businesses in England and Wales in 1992–93; and what would be the equivalent cost to Scottish local authorities as a whole with respect to business rate bills.

Mr. Portillo

The total amount which would be forgone as a result of cancelling the April 1992 instalment in England would be approximately f1.28 billion. This estimate includes contributions in aid of rates in respect of Crown property. Non-domestic rates contributions in Scotland and Wales are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales respectively.