§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to compel a local authority to refund recycled grant in the form of rate reduction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce legislation to specify what local authorities should do with recycled grant. Local authorities already 307W have powers under section 3 of the Local Government Finance Act 1982 to substitute a lower rate or precept at any time.