Rate Rebates

Mr. Rooker
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rate rebates were granted during April-September 1974, in England and Wales; what was the average payment made; what proportion of the applicants were granted rebates; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. John Silkin
The information is as follows: Number of Rate Rebates granted 1st April 1974–30th September 1974 2·15 million.Amount of Rate Rebates granted 1st April 1974–30th September 1974 £41·28 million.Average Rate Rebate granted 1st April 1974–30th September 1974 £19·20.Proportion of applicants granted rebate 89 per cent. In the full year I estimate that over 2½ million people will receive a rebate averaging £40 per annum at a total cost of over £85 million.My right hon. Friend has already laid regulations which should extend the scope of the scheme in the coming financial year.