§ Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that his recent decision to reduce 85W from 95 per cent. to 90 per cent. of gross annual value the standard rent for 1966–67 for the purposes of Exchequer Equalisation Grant will in all cases entirely compensate those local authorities who have acceded to the Government's request not to increase rents, taking revaluation into account; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe reduction of the notional rent from 95 per cent. to 90 per cent. of the current gross annual values will make the deductions smaller than they otherwise would have been, or nil in cases where local authorities reached a 90 per cent. level or above. I am satisfied that under the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1963 which governs the payment of Exchequer Equalisation Grant in the current year, this is as fair an arrangement as can be made.
§ Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland will be credited with less Exchequer Equalisation Grant for 1966–67, because they postponed proposed rent increases in response to the Government's request, than they would have qualified for had they proceeded with those increases.
§ Mr. RossNone. Many local authorities will in fact get more grant as a result of the reduction on notional rent from 95 per cent. to 90 per cent. of gross annual values.