§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what weight he gives to service-specific costs such as education inflation and social service provision inflation in calculating standard spending assessments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin Squire[holding answer 7 December 1992]: Standard spending assessments are distributed according to general principles which best reflect the differences in the costs of providing a standard level of service between local authorities. Total standard spending and its division between services, takes account of a number of factors including service responsibilities, cost pressures and what the country can afford.