§ 26. Mr. MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he proposes to make of the impact of poll tax capping powers in 1991–92 on the ability of police authorities to carry out their statutory duties.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIt is for each police authority to set its budget at a level which enables it to carry out its statutory duties but it must also have regard to the need for economy and the Government's intended criteria for community charge capping. Actual decisions on capping can be taken only when local authorities have set their budgets. These 'decisions will take account of all appropriate considerations, including the scope for greater efficiency and economy and, in the case of police authorities, their statutory responsibilities and the maintenance of manpower at the level my right hon. Friend has approved.