Rating

The thirty Acts proposed for repeal in this consultation date mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries and concern local taxation in England at that time. The early rating system was closely linked with the system of providing relief for the poor in each parish. Indeed the English poor-law system remained parish-based until 1930. Changes in the mid-20th century, including the establishment of the welfare state, have made these Act obsolete.

These obsolete Acts include:

five Acts dating from 1707 to 1916 to provide a workhouse and raise money for the poor living in Plymouth
Acts of 1791 and 1809 levying taxes on cargo ships using the port of Sunderland, the taxes being used to support the poor of that town
an Act of 1846 for collecting the "Poor Rates, Lighting and Watching and Church Rates, in the parish of Aylesbury".

We hope that interested parties will read and respond to our consultation paper, in particular to identify whether any of the Acts we propose to repeal has any remaining value.

Consultation paper with proposals. The consultation closes on 5 October 2007. Please email us with your views.

A background note on repealing obsolete laws is available. Return to the Statute Law Revision page to find out about other proposals for repeal.