European Convention on Human Rights
373.The Local Government Act 2003 is considered to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. In summary:
	Parts 4 and 5 - the Convention could be relevant to the Business Improvement Districts and business rates provisions in the Act, but there are grounds for considering each of these objectively and reasonably justified.
	Part 6 - all tax proposals touch on property rights protected under the Convention. Provisions giving authorities discretion over council tax discounts in their areas could mean persons in otherwise similar circumstances but living in different areas paying different amounts (possibly discrimination within Article 14). However, the proposals are justified in the public interest and proportionate to policy aims.
	Part 6 – section 85 allowing council tax data sharing for empty homes purposes, touches on the right to respect for family and private life. However, it is not considered to constitute an interference with that right and even if it does, it is justified and proportionate to policy aims relating to the economic well-being of the country.
	Part 8 – the Convention touches on the provisions for charging and trading. These are considered to be proportionate and justified in the wider public interest because they will enable authorities to make better use of their assets and improve the delivery of public services.
	Part 8 – if Valuation Tribunals are held to determine civil rights, the provisions in the Act that make the administrative support systems independent of Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will improve the compatibility of the Valuation Tribunals with Article 6 of the Convention.
The following sets out the dates and Hansard references for each stage of this Act’s passage through Parliament.