§ 9. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the likely effect of grant-related expenditure adjustments on the rate levels of the outer London boroughs.
§ Mr. KingRate levels are determined primarily by authorities' expenditure decisions. For 1982–83 outer London boroughs can expect increases in grant-related expenditure in line with those applying nationally and an increased share of the block grant if they meet their expenditure targets.
§ Mr. DykesAs there are anxieties that basic services may have to be reduced, depending on the outer London borough concerned, how much money does my right hon. Friend believe might be involved in adjusting the formula for the percentage reduction of spending to the real rate of inflation, as opposed to the theoretical lower rate of inflation?
§ Mr. KingI could not answer that detailed question without notice, but I shall give my hon. Friend the information.
§ Mr. PavittDoes the Minister recall the Secretary of State's assurance to me in the House about the London borough of Brent, which has inner city problems and the highest number of ethnic minority residents of all the London boroughs? Will he ensure that any adjustment in the rate support grant, and so on, in the coming year takes those factors into account?
§ Mr. KingThe proposals will shortly be contained in an order to be laid before the House. If the hon. Gentleman studies the proposals he will see that in the GREA the London borough of Brent, for some of the reasons that he gave, has benefited significantly.