HC Deb 28 November 1983 vol 49 cc363-4W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the trend in local authority spending in real terms over the past decade.

Mr. Waldegrave

Between 1973–74 and 1982–83 total spending by local govenment declined by 6½ per cent., (an average rate of three-quarter per cent. per annum), after the effects of inflation, as measured by the GDP deflator, are taken into account. Within the total, after making similar adjustments for inflation, capital expenditure declined by 70 per cent. (13 per cent. per annum) and current expenditure increased by 31 per cent. (3 per cent. per annum).