§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that the Greater London Council and many other local authorities have announced rate increases of as much as 27 per cent.; and if he will take some action in his forthcoming Budget, to 121W increases Exchequer grants to offset these increases.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe total of Exchequer grants was fixed in the Rate Support Grant Order which was approved by the House on 10th December, 1970. This provides for 57½ per cent. of local authority relevant expenditure in 1971–72 to be met by grant. The rate to be levied by each authority is a matter to be decided in the light of local circumstances, and I have noted, for example, that the G.L.C. recommended rate makes substantial provision for capital expenditure from revenue and for the building up of reserves.