§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what alterations he will make in future financial years to lessen the effect of the south-east area cost adjustment on the comparative position of the south-west of England.
§ Mr. CurryThe area cost adjustment will be discussed with the local authority associations during the summer. The Government will be giving particular attention to the way that the adjustment tapers within the south-east region outside London. We will also give careful consideration to any new evidence which is brought forward on other aspects of the adjustment. We will announce our proposals for the 1995–96 local government finance settlement later in the year.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the criteria used to assess the suitability of data sources for use in standard spending assessment calculations.
§ Mr. CurryThe data sources used in the calculation of standard spending assessments are generally those which are compiled on a consistent basis across all relevant authorities, are judged to be reliable, are not affected by individual authorities' own decisions, and are as up to date as possible.
There is a continuing dialogue with the local authority associations about data sources which are capable of producing indicators relevant to, or indicative of, the variations in the need for local authority spending.