§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what areas are currently designated as urban and rural for determining financial allocations and other departmental purposes; and what changes in designation have taken place, in the areas so designated over the last 20 years. [145838]
§ Mr. StrawThe Home Office does not generally designate areas as urban or rural, either for the purpose of financial allocation or for other purposes. However, the relative sparsity, or otherwise, of the population of each police area is one of the factors taken into account in determining the allocation of police grant to police authorities. From 2001–02, police forces with relatively sparse populations will also be eligible for the new rural policing grant. Entitlement to this grant will be determined on the basis of population density information. Payment of £30 million a year will be made in this way, £15 million has been similarly made available for 2000–01.