§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities in Wales concerning the negative impact of proposed changes in the distribution of financial support to local government in Wales with particular reference to the more economically deprived counties. [13360]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesIn addition to comments and proposals on the distribution arrangements for the forthcoming revenue settlement from the Welsh Local Government Association, I have received representations from a number of individual local authorities. I discussed the arrangements with the association on 27 October. I will also be consulting Cardiff county council and Rhondda Cynon Taff county borough council on the options
874WI am considering a package of measures which will implement the proposed changes to the distribution formula whilst protecting individual authorities? spending power and limiting the impact on council tax payers. For the longer term, I propose to commission, jointly with the Welsh Local Government Association, an independent review of the concept of expenditure need and the main factors that influence it. This review should be completed in time for early consideration by the Welsh Assembly.