HC Deb 12 November 1990 vol 180 c42W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, with regard to members' allowances under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, what plans he has to consult the local authority associations and other interested parties, on the practical implementation of the scheme after it has been in operation for six months.

Mr. Portillo

As I told the hon. Member on 26 July 1990, I intend to arrange for a review of the new system of councillors' allowances when that system has been in operation for about a year. Since the system has not yet been brought into operation, it is premature now to plan the review.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Government propose to review councillors' travel and subsistence allowances under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Mr. Portillo

Councillors' travelling and subsistence allowances are governed by the Local Government Act 1972. The amounts are in the discretion of the local authorities within maxima prescribed by the Government. These maxima were last increased with effect from 1 January 1990. I shall shortly be carrying out a further review.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the new system of members' allowances under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 will be introduced; and whether the quantum available to local authorities will be uplifted to take account of current levels of inflation.

Mr. Portillo

The new system of members' allowances will be introduced when we have resolved the technical problem that has been discovered. The regulations limiting the maximum amounts payable will take account of all the relevant factors up to the date at which they are made.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, with regard to members' allowances under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, when the new scheme will be implemented.

Mr. Portillo

When we make the regulations under section 18 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, we shall take into account the representations from local authority associations that the new system of allowances should come into effect no earlier than 1 April 1991.