§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to(a) compensate local authorities for national pay awards above inflation and (b) make an appropriate contribution to the block grant for (i) Scotland, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland, to cover them. [112919]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithIn the Comprehensive Spending Review we provided support to local government which took account of pay pressures. Consequential amounts were allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Government have made it clear that all pay awards will need to be paid from within the spending limits set in the Comprehensive Spending Review. We do not expect to give additional support in the light of national pay awards.