Written question asked by David Lock (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 1999. It was answered by Alan Meale (Labour) on Monday, 28 June 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment the Government has made of the effects of rate relief granted to charity shops on the development of small and medium-sized towns.

Answer: Mr. Lock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Government have made of the effects of rate relief granted to charity shops on the development of small and medium-sized towns. [88615] Mr. Meale: No assessment has been made of the effects of granting rate relief to charity shops. However, as part of the Treasury's overall review of charity taxation my Department is considering whether there is a need to issue further guidance to local authorities to ensure that only those charity shops which `wholly or mainly' sell donated goods receive rate relief.

Secondary information