§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines his Department has issued to Scottish local authorities in respect of pursuing unpaid community charge where the costs of pursuing the debt exceed the amount owed; what representations he has received from local authorities on this matter; and what plans he has to amend the current guidance to allow local authorities to write off community charge in situations where the costs involved in pursuing amounts owed exceed the amount being owed.
§ Mr. StewartMy Department has not issued any guidance to local authorities on this matter which is for each authority to consider in consultation with its auditor. My right hon. Friend last received representations from local authorities on this issue in 1991.