§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what way he proposes to deal with the overspending by Basildon district council.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAll local authorities were given expenditure guidance figures for 1983-84, and asked to budget within them. Basildon district council have chosen not to do so. As a result, my right hon. Friend is withholding £1 355 million in block grant under the Rate Support Grant Supplementary Report (England) 1983-84, which was approved by the House on 26 July. The Government will continue to apply pressure on local authorities through the block grant system to curb overspending.