The Problem of Lost Rates
The problem of rates in London and other towns where many holders of business premises and houses have re- moved their furniture and gone away, is presenting serious difficulties. It is now under the consideration of the Stand- ing Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Boroughs and the Association of Municipal Boroughs. The local authorities are in an awkward position. Their expenses have certainly not gone down under emergency conditions, but rather the other way. But if they cannot collect rates from office- or house-holders who have gone away, where are they to get their revenues? To raise the rates for persons who remain would only be to add to a burden that has already become excessive owing to decreased earnings. It is suggested that the removal of furniture does not relieve a tenant from liability unless he has no intention to return. But the recovery of rates from persons who have removed presents a difficulty on the other side. Many of those who have gone away have had no choice but to go into business or habita- tion elsewhere, and it might be a crushing hardship if they had to pay rates twice over. • Upon thousands of people the dislocation has been thrust by the necessities of war. The situation presents problems which appear to be insoluble unless the Government itself lends a helping hand.
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