§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was the total number of dwellings in each local authority in England and Wales in the last four years for which figures are available for which a business rate was payable in respect of their use as holiday accommodation. [19431]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe number of premises in England which are subject to non-domestic rates and let as self-catering holiday homes in the last four years is as follows:
Year Number 1998–99 14,607 1999–2000 14,589 2000–01 15,145 2001–02 15,398 While most of these premises are homes, the figures do include accommodation units that are purpose built for holiday letting and could not be used as homes. It is not possible to segregate these two types of property. The figures do not include premises where it is not intended that the property is let as holiday accommodation for more than 140 days in a year as these are subject to council tax and not to non-domestic rates.
I will write separately to the hon. Member with equivalent figures for each local authority in England.
The rating of holiday accommodation in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.