§ Mrs. Ann TaylorI beg to move amendment No. 85, in page 24, line 16, leave out from 'be' to end of line 18.
I wish simply to ask the Minister two questions about local authority costs rather than deal with all the assurances that he has tried to give in the past. I should like to know on what basis local authority costs will be calculated. Will each local authority receive from the Government exactly what it spends in terms of housing benefits, including administrative costs, or will the total costs of the scheme be aggregated on a national basis and shared out among local authorities? If the latter, on what basis will the division be made? Will it be done on the basis of the number of cases with which a local authority deals or the total amount that the local authority pays out?
§ Sir George YoungThe best answer I can give is that it is the Government's intention fully to compensate local authorities for the additional costs that are incurred as a result of the provisions of the Bill. Negotiations are proceeding with local authority associations over how this objective might be achieved. The undertaking that has been given is clear and unambiguous. Where a local authority's costs, on an individual or collective basis, are put up by the Bill, they will be met in full by central Government. This is a handsome and generous offer that central Government have made. It will be difficult for anyone to take issue with the proposal.
§ Mrs. TaylorI am surprised that the Minister tries to be provocative at this stage by referring to a handsome and generous gesture. The hon. Gentleman has not answered the question but we shall probably hear the answer subsequently. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.