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38
RATES ON EMPTY HOUSES.
The Vestry have sought the assistance of both the Local
Government Board and the Metropolitan Board of Works, in
an amendment of the law relating to rating, so that vacant
property shall be assessed to the local rates unless the owner
thereof proves that he has taken all reasonable means to let
the same at a fair rent.
This modest proposal of the Vestry, however, failed to
obtain the approval of either Board, and the cost of protecting
an empty house, by police, lighting, &c., will continue to be
borne by the community and not by the individual owner,
even if the latter purposely keeps the property vacant for a
time, in order to obtain exorbitant terms.
COAL AND WINE DUTIES.
At the request of the St. Martin's Vestry, delegates were
appointed to join a proposed deputation to the Home
Secretary in support of the Bill, which was then before
Parliament, for the renewal of these Duties. The interview,
however, did not take place, and the Bill was not discussed,
owing to the pressure of other business in the House of
Commons.
The views entertained by the Vestry on the question are
stated at some length in their Report for 1886-7; these views,
however, are now subject to modification having regard to the
re-arrangement of local taxation contemplated by the Local
Government (England and Wales) Bill, which is now before
Parliament.