HC Deb 29 January 2003 vol 398 cc868-9
6. Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North)

If he will make a statement on the future of floors and ceilings in the proposed new local government funding system. p[93771]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Christopher Leslie)

The Government expect the mechanism known as floors and ceilings to be part of the local government funding system for the foreseeable future.

Mr. Watts

Although many Labour Members believe that the new system being introduced is far fairer, we are concerned that the floors and ceilings mechanism will result in Westminster council continuing to receive £30 million more than it should, while deprived local authorities such as St. Helens receive £2 million less than they should. Will the Minister re-examine that aspect of the changes?

Mr. Leslie

I hear what my hon. Friend says, but floors and ceilings provide a necessary degree of stability and security for all councils. They ensure that everyone receives a real-terms grant increase and they are an integral part of the grant distribution system. Last year, we promised to protect against rapid reductions in population and the like, and it is right and fair that we honour that commitment.

Mr. Simon Burns (West Chelmsford)

Is the Minister aware that as a result of the proposed changes, Essex county council will get one of the three worst settlements, with an increase that is £40 million less than it would be if it received the average percentage increase? Will he reflect on his meeting with the leaders of Essex county council and try, before the final decision is taken, to persuade his right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to come up with a system that is fairer to Essex and does not mean that Essex has to pay for his party's heartlands in the midlands and the north?[Interruption.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I say again to the House that there is far too much noise. We should be able to hear both the hon. Member putting the question and the Minister replying.

Mr. Leslie

The hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) seems to think that there is a north-south divide in this respect. Members from the south think that the north is gaining, and Members from the north think that the south is gaining. In reality, all councils, including Essex, will get a real-terms increase in grant. I have met councillors and officers from Essex, which is to receive a 3.7 per cent. increase in grant, above inflation.

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