HC Deb 25 April 1988 vol 132 cc5-6
5. Sir Anthony Meyer

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the financing of community councils in Wales after the introduction of the community charge.

Mr. Grist

My right hon. Friend has received several representations from and on behalf of community councils.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that councils, which are the elected bodies closest to the electorate, have a valuable role to fulfil, provided that they stick to the job for which they were elected? Does he agree that, in view of the changeover to the community charge, there is anxiety about the future of their financing arrangements?

Mr. Grist

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. They are the local councils. They will be absolutely free to continue the role that they are currently undertaking. which is the provision of services for people in their localities. We expect that they will continue to do so, and that they will have no trouble in carrying out that task.

Mr. Murphy

Does the Minister agree that 60 per cent. of the finance of community councils in my constituency comes from non-domestic rates? Does he agree also that, to help community councils in Wales, which he applauds —we all agree with him—it is necessary for them to have not only grant but part of the non-domestic rate income?

Mr. Grist

The hon. Gentleman is following up a mistake that I thought had been corrected in Committee and in a letter to him on the difference between Wales and England in that respect. It is worth pointing out that community council spending per head of adult population in Wales is only £3.50. Of course, in many areas there is no community spending at all. At present levels, most community council charges would be under £10.