Local taxes (5)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
rates
'local taxes' is the definition.
(rates paid to a local authority)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for rates that I've seen before include "degrees" , "Evaluates the importance (of something)" , "classes" , "council tax" , "Relative speeds and local taxes" .)