HC Deb 27 November 1974 vol 882 cc174-5W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider adding an unemployment element when computing rate support grant formulas for local authorities.

Mr. John Silkin

This has been considered, but technical difficulties at present preclude the use of unemployment statistics. In any case other factors in the needs element formula do reflect social needs effectively. My right hon. Friend will shortly be laying a report before the House on the Rate Support Grant Order for 1975–76.