HL Deb 29 January 2004 vol 656 cc56-7WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the event of the United Kingdom hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, they estimate that more than 10 per cent of the population of London will become paying spectators to various events. [HL907]

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey

The Government have not estimated how many London residents will become paying spectators should London stage the Games in 2012.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What powers will be needed in order to impose an extra levy on Londoners to pay for the 2012 Olympic Games in the event of the United Kingdom hosting the event. [HL908]

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey

No new powers would be needed in order to levy a council tax to raise London's contribution to staging the Games. The Greater London Act 1999 would allow the cost of the Mayor's contribution to be raised through the council tax precept.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they propose to take, if the 2012 Olympic Games are hosted by the United Kingdom, for local taxpayers in areas outside London where events might take place to have similar levies put on their local taxes as has been proposed for local taxpayers in London. [HL909]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government have no plans to increase council tax payments for staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games in areas outside London. Almost all the events outside Greater London will take place in existing or already planned facilities at comparatively limited additional cost.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the event of the United Kingdom hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, which events will take place in areas where it is not proposed to impose extra local taxes, as suggested for Londoners. [HL921]

Lord Mclntosh of Haringey

Under the plans announced by London 2012 Ltd on 16 January, the canoeing, mountain cycling, rowing, sailing, shooting and preliminary football events will take place outside Greater London.