To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby of 16 September 2009, Official Report, column 2219W, on non-domestic rates: ports, how many of the 154 settled appeals resulted in a lower rateable value; and how many and what proportion of the other outstanding appeals have been settled. (295813)

I have been asked to reply.

Of the 154 appeals settled at 9 September 2009, 48 were settled by agreement resulting in a lower rateable value.

As at 21 October 2009; the Valuation Office Agency has settled 417, or 56 per cent. of appeals against rating assessments subject to the fast track arrangements.