§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years on the making of grants to local authorities for the purpose of improving access to polling places; and how much he expects to spend in the current year; [81067]
419W(2) how many local authorities in each of the last five years have (a) applied for and (b) received grants for the purpose of improving access to polling places; and what was the average amount of grant paid to a local authority in each year. [81068]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe information requested is set out in the tables. These show grants from central exchequer for the purchase or hire of temporary ramps to improve
Grants for purchase/hire of temporary ramps 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 Number of local authorities applying 27 22 20 36 18 Number of local authorities receiving grants 27 22 20 36 18 Total amount granted for year (£) 71,481 34,500 47,069 62,043 21,146 Average per authority (£) 2,647 1,568 2,353 1,723 1,175
Grants for the purchase of adapted polling screens 1997–98 1998–99 Number of local authorities applying 27 22 Number of local authorities receiving grants 27 22 Total amount granted for year (£) 138,298 109,855 Average per authority (£) 5,122 4,993