HL Deb 08 May 2002 vol 634 c183WA
Baroness Byford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What account they will take of the extra cost of providing public services in rural areas in the local government grant distribution formula in England for 2003–04. [HL4140]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

We are working with local government to develop options for fairer and more intelligible grant distribution formulae. This includes issues of concern to rural areas, such as the treatment of sparsity. We will consult on options for reform over the summer and will consider the responses when we come to take decisions.