§ 13. Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what submissions he has recently received about the cost of establishing the new unitary authorities; and if he will make a statement. [33946]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Sir Paul Beresford)A system of supplementary credit approvals is being used in response to bids to cover reorganisation costs. However, there are clear opportunities for new unitary authorities to make considerable efficiency savings.
§ Mr. RathboneIs my hon. Friend aware of the concern of East Sussex county council at the very special costs being incurred by the new unitary authority of Brighton and Hove and the fact that that may lead to a need to increase council taxes within the East Sussex area? Can he reassure people living in East Sussex that that will not be the case?
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI can certainly reassure my hon. Friend that we shall be looking at all the bids and bearing his point in mind. I should be very concerned if I had anything to do with East Sussex council as it is at the moment.