Rate Support Grant

HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc258-9W

Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider unemployment levels as a major factor in deciding the level of rate support grant.

Mr. Graham Page

The level of rate support grant for 1972–73 was determined by the Rate Support Grant Order, 1970, in December, 1970, and adjusted for pay and price increases by the Rate Support Grant (Increase) No. 2 Order, 1971.

The grant for 1973–74 will be determined in November next, after consultations with the local authorities associations. At that time the Government will take into account the rate of growth of local authority current expenditure which seems appropriate within the context of public expenditure as a whole and the state of the economy.