asked the Minister for the Environment the progress that has been made in relation to the derating of the residential portion of residential business premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Derating of Residential Business Premises .
93.
: In accordance with the Government's undertaking, relief of rates is being granted, at an estimated cost of £2.35 million in 1978, on the residential portion of business premises. Statutory validation for this and the Government's other rating reliefs will be provided when the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Bill, 1977, is enacted. In the meantime, in accordance with instructions which I had issued in January 1978 rating authorities have been giving effect to the relief of so-called "mixed" properties by administrative means.