HC Deb 18 June 1959 vol 607 cc73-4W
83. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what provision is made to increase the grant to local authorities where their expenditure is increased as the result of circumstances over which they have no control, such as the paying of increased salaries as the result of national awards.

Mr. Brooke

The total amount of general grant payable each year to local authorities under the Local Government Act, 1958, has by Order been settled for a period of two years. The Act provides, however, that by an amending Order under Section 2 (4) subject to an affirmative Resolution of this House, I can increase the annual aggregate amount of the general grant where any unforeseen increase has taken place in the level of prices, costs or remuneration and its effect on the cost of providing the services covered by the general grant is of such magnitude that I am satisfied that it ought not to fall entirely on local authorities.

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