HC Deb 18 December 2002 vol 396 cc863-4W
26. Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to review the council tax banding system. [86344]

Mr. Leslie

The Local Government Bill currently before this House clarifies the power to vary the number of council tax bands. Ahead of the next English council tax revaluation in 2005, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will listen to the views of local government and taxpayers about council tax bands.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to change the housing bands for council tax; how he estimates they will benefit poorer people; and if he will make a statement. [87372]

Mr. Leslie

The Local Government Bill currently before Parliament clarifies the power to vary the number of council tax bands. Work on an English council tax revaluation will begin in 2005, with council tax bills based on updated property values issuing in 2007. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the concerns of people who live in low value houses about the current width of band A. Ahead of revaluation the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will listen to the views of local government and taxpayers about council tax bands. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will decide on any changes to the banding structure nearer to the time of the revaluation.