Council Tax (New Valuation Lists for England) Bill

We think it very unlikely that there will be a revaluation in the lifetime of this Parliament. A specific question raised on the back of the amendment was why the Secretary of State has this power. The options for the Secretary of State having this power are limited, if not non-existent. He is, after all, the person who must take a decision beyond politics which is in the interests of the country. But he would not do so with an in any sense unfettered power. The House of Commons will be able to scrutinise the decision. An instrument will be laid under the affirmative resolution procedure which, as with any other instrument, can be challenged in the House of Commons.