§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many committal orders for council tax arrears have been obtained by local authorities in each financial year since 1989–90. [122025]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not keep statistics on committal orders. However figures are published in The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Revenue Collection Statistics.
For the years since the introduction of the council tax on 1 April 1993, CIPFA estimate the number of committal orders obtained by English local authorities for council tax arrears were:
Number of committal orders obtained 1993–94 444 1994–95 4,435 1995–96 3,771 1996–97 14,246 1997–98 26,077 1998–99 13,434 1999–2000 21,019 2000–01 17,592 2001–02 22,350 These figures are based on grossed up actual figures provided by those local authorities that have submitted statistical returns to CIPFA. From 1996–1997, figures include postponed orders.
§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from(a) local authorities, (b) members of the public and (c) other bodies on the number of people refusing to pay part or all of this year's council tax; and if he will make a statement. [122026]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWithholding of all or part of the council tax due is unlawful and could affect authorities' revenue flows which could in due course lead to higher council tax bills, a reduction in services or both. The Office of the Deputy of Prime Minister has received a few letters from members of the public indicating that they are refusing to pay all or part of this year's council tax. Records of correspondence received do not differentiate such cases from other correspondence on council tax. A precise figure could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.