§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they are making to the representations made by the Association of Local Authorities in Northern Ireland and by nine individual councils, concerning the recent 15 per cent. cut in grant aid for community services, and whether they will place copies of their replies in the Library.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Lyell)The response to the individual councils and the Association of Local Authorities has highlighted the decision to give priority to schools and other mainstream educational services at a time of severe constraints on the financial resources available to the Department of Education.
The Association of Local Authorities and 10 individual councils have now made representations about the reductions and, to date, replies have been issued to the association and five councils. A meeting 143WA was held with representatives of Belfast City Council and written responses to the remaining district councils will be issued shortly.
A copy of the reply to the association has been placed in the Library, together with a copy of that sent to Omagh District Council. The other replies are in similar terms.