§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the element included in the rate support grant for the careers service for 1980–81 has been increased over and above that for the previous year; what was taken into account in making this calculation; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI have been asked to reply.
318WRate support grant is an unhypothecated block grant in support of local revenue so that decisions on the actual level of careers service expenditure rest with the local education authorities. In calculating the grant for 1980–81 a forecast was made of £37.8 million relevant expenditure attributable to the careers service, an increase of £1.6 million over 1979/80 at November 1979 prices. The forecast took account of an increase in the numbers of school-leavers and work in colleges of further and higher education.