§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is expected to be the cost of staff for local authorities in 1974–75; what is this cost as a percentage of the total cost of local government in the coming year; and how this percentage compares with the percentage cost of staffing in the current financial year.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo separate estimate has been made by my Department of the cost of staff for local authorities in 1974–75. Historically overall staffing costs—manual and non-manual—tend to represent about half of total local government costs. Local authorities have been asked for 1974–75 not to use more manpower resources than their predecessors did in providing similar services in the same area, and to endeavour to use less.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the expected cost of staffing for the new Norfolk County Council and the district councils in its area in 1974–75, compared with the cost of staffing the existing authorities for the same area in the current financial year.
§ Mr. Graham PageThis is a matter for the local authorities concerned, and I suggest that my hon. Friend makes inquiries of them.