16.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received on the rating revaluation in Scotland.
I have received about 3,800 representations of various kinds. In response to these, and in particular a representation from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, I announced last Thursday an extra increase of £38·5 million in the domestic element of the rate support grant, which will go a long way toward easing the burden revaluation will shift on to the domestic ratepayer.
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will postpone revaluation in Scotland for rating purposes.
No. This is not practicable. I have announced that there will be an extra increase of £38·5 million in the domestic element of the rate support grant, which will go a long way toward easing the burden revaluation will shift on to the domestic ratepayer.
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the burden of rates on domestic ratepayers in Scotland.
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has undertaken a study of the impact of the rates revaluation on domestic properties in Scotland.
I understand that in Scotland as a whole the average revaluation multiplier for domestic property is 2·7, somewhat higher than the average for all property of 2·33. The recently announced extra increase of £38·5 million in the domestic element of the rate support grant will moderate the effect of this on householders' rate bills.