I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 51, 58 and 61 together.
It is within the absolute discretion of each local authority to decide whether charges for services are to be levied in its area, and the scale of any such charges. I have no function in the exercise of that discretion. I have no doubt, however, that the elected members, in considering the matter, have due regard to the needs of their areas, the level and range of services to be provided and their cost, and all of the sources of revenue, including charges, available to finance those services.
Almost all local authorities currently charge for domestic services and have done so in successive years in order to maintain and improve the level of local services. Collection levels are improving and it is expected that local authorities will achieve their collection targets which total £50 million in the current year. I have no proposals to remove or limit local discretion in the levying of charges. I have not received a copy of the report referred to.
All local authorities levying domestic service charges operate schemes to reduce or waive charges for householders whose incomes are low or who are experiencing particular hardship. I am satisfied that the operation of local waiver schemes broadly complies with guidelines issued by my Department in 1985 on this matter. I have no proposals to issue revised guidelines.
It is not open to me, nor do I consider any action by me is warranted, to prevent local authorities from taking such action as may be open to them under the law to secure collection of charges. I am satisfied that disconnection generally arises only after other methods have proved unsuccessful and in face of persistent refusal to pay by householders who are believed by the authority concerned to be neither suffering financial hardship nor eligible for a waiver.
