To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of (a) council tax in England and (b) the regional rate in Northern Ireland was returned to central Government in each of the last three years. (82597)

Council tax is collected and retained by English local authorities and contributes towards their expenditure.

The Northern Ireland regional rate is collected by the Rates Collection Agency and is paid into the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund. This income contributes towards the funding of public services in Northern Ireland.