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41
The relative increase in these demands was greater than
the actual figures would denote, the rateable value of the
Parish (the basis of contribution) having increased from
£575,756 in 1879-80 to £702,245 in 1888-9.
The total amount raised with the local rates for these two
Boards alone, during the ten years, is £386,852, being an
average of £38,685 per annum. These precepts, which, in
the year 1879-80 represented a rate of less than Is. in the
pound, had increased to a rate of about Is. 4d. in the pound
in 1888-9.
TAXATION OF GROUND RENTS.
A resolution was passed on the 5th July, concurring in the
views of the Vestry of St. George, Hanover Square, that the
owners of the land should be rated upon the ground rents and
improved values of land towards the cost of carrying out
Metropolitan improvements.
The vestry have, however, not committed themselves to
any scheme for giving effect to this principle, and they feel
that considerable difficulty will be experienced in dealing
equitably with ground rents, rent charges, and premiums, the
latter being, in many cases, capitalised ground rents. It must
not be forgotten, moreover, that the rack rent is fixed at
such an amount as will cover all outgoings, including ground
rent, and that the general tendency of taxation is to fall eventually
upon the consumer.
UNIFORM POOR RATE.
A communication having been received from the Yestry of
Lambeth, urging the establishment of a uniform Poor Rate