(1)A charging authority shall determine a standard community charge multiplier for properties in its area.
(2)If the authority sees fit, different multipliers may be determined for properties of different specified classes.
(3)A specified class is such class as may be specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(4)If the Secretary of State so requires by regulations , a multiplier for a specified class of property shall not exceed whichever of the following he specifies in the regulations as regards the class, namely, 0, ½, 1, 1½ and 2.
(5)An authority must determine under this section before 1 April 1990.
(6)Once a multiplier has been determined it shall remain effective for all chargeable financial years until varied (whether to comply with a requirement under subsection (4) above or otherwise).
(7)A multiplier as it has effect for a given financial year may only be varied before the year begins.
(8)Regulations under this section in their application to a particular financial year (including regulations amending or revoking others) shall not be effective unless they come into force before 1 January in the preceding financial year.
(9)A multiplier must be one of the following, namely, 0, ½, 1, 1½ or 2.
(10)References to properties are to buildings, self-contained parts of buildings and caravans in respect of which persons are or may become subject to standard community charges of the authority.
(11)A class may be specified by reference to such factors as the Secretary of State sees fit.
(12)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (11) above, a class may be specified by reference to one or more of the following factors—
(a)the physical characteristics of properties;
(b)the fact that properties are unoccupied or are occupied for prescribed purposes or by persons of prescribed descriptions;
(c)the circumstances of persons subject to standard community charges.