HC Deb 26 February 1975 vol 887 cc473-4
6. Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue a further circular to local authorities requesting them to curb unnecessary expenditure in the interests of domestic ratepayers.

Mr. Oakes

No, Sir. I am satisfied that the circular already issued on 23rd December 1974 contains sufficient guidance.

Mr. Durant

That is an unsatisfactory answer. Is the Minister aware of the growing anger of ratepayers? They are not impressed by the general complacency about the subject. Should there not be another circular immediately to monitor capital expenditure in particular? Paragraph 6 of the Minister's Circular 171/74 is rather disappointing on that matter.

Mr. Oakes

I am aware of ratepayers' concern. I am astonished that the hon. Gentleman talks about complacency. I have been throughout the country talking to local authorities about the circular, urging restraint and urging that their expenditure be kept to inescapable commitments. Most authorities are obeying that request. The Government have expressed concern about the rates. But I remind the hon. Gentleman and the House of the unprecedentedly high rate support grant approved by the House in December.

Mr. Grocott

If further particulars are to be sent round the country urging thrift and good husbandry, will my hon. Friend take note, as I know he and my right hon. Friend have done in the past, of those local authorities which are squandering the assets of their towns, many of them authorities with large housing waiting lists, by selling off council houses as quickly as they can for cheap political gain? In view of what I know to be the genuine fears of Opposition Members about good husbandry and good management, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that any circular on the subject will have strong bipartisan support?

Mr. Oakes

The selling-off of council houses would not have a direct bearing on the level of rate support. In view of the waiting lists, as my hon. Friend has said, and the need for rented accommodation, we as a Government would deplore the selling-off of the assets of local authorities.