§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes he proposes to make in relation to council tax for the mentally impaired living alone; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWhere all the residents of a dwelling are severely mentally impaired a 50 per cent. council tax discount applies. In many cases the residents will be able to have all or part of the remaining liability met by council tax benefit.
We have received a number of representations to the effect that such dwellings should be exempt from the council tax. We are presently considering those representations: I shall let the hon. Member know when we have reached a conclusion.