HC Deb 16 January 1995 vol 252 cc446-7
12. Mr. Hanson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received regarding the funding of local government services in Wales in 1995–96.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

Several.

Mr. Hanson

Is the Minister aware that in north Wales there is widespread concern about a number of issues, especially education and the police? Is he aware that on Wednesday Clwyd county council will meet to discuss major cuts in services as a result of his settlement? Only today I learned that north Wales will lose at least 60 police officers this year because of the settlement proposed for the police force. Will the Minister review both points as a matter of urgency, as people in north Wales are concerned about the results of the settlement?

Mr. Jones

The hon. Gentleman should know that spending on education in Clwyd is a matter for Clwyd education authority. There is a change from this year in police spending throughout Wales. For the first time, the Welsh Office is involved in setting spending levels for the police authorities in Wales. Prospective standard spending assessments have been set for each of the four, and we are consulting on that before we make our final decisions.

13. Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that the work of voluntary organisations is not damaged during the process of local government reorganisation in Wales.

Mr. Richards

From the outset, my right hon. Friend and I have been keen to safeguard the interests of the voluntary sector. The White Paper, "A Charter for the Future," emphasised the important role played by the sector in the delivery of local services. That message is reinforced in the guidance issued to transition committees.

In drawing up their service delivery plans for 1 April 1996, I expect authorities to consult the voluntary sector, to build on existing arrangements and to set out their strategy for working with the voluntary sector.

Mr. Michael

Those are fine words, but what does the Minister intend to do in practice? Does he not realise that local authorities are not only suffering the constraints of the tightened finances as a result of Government decisions but will bear the burden of increased costs due to reorganisation? At present, many voluntary organisations receive some money from counties and some from districts. In those straitened circumstances, how will the Minister ensure that the finances available to many voluntary organisations are maintained and do not drop as a result of reorganisation?

Mr. Richards

The work of voluntary organisations is valued greatly, certainly on the Conservative Benches. The latest available figures for direct grants to voluntary bodies for 1993–94 is £14.1 million. In addition, there are indirect grants provided by other bodies such as education authorities and local authorities.