§ Mr. Weitzmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has now reached a decision on the form of the London rate equalisation scheme for 1975–76.
§ Mr. CroslandI have now decided to make a scheme, for 1975–76 only, in accordance with proposals put to me by the London Boroughs Association. Before reaching my decision, I consulted also the Greater London Council and the Common Council of the City of London. Under the scheme, the inner London boroughs and the City of London will contribute the product of a 2.5p rate to a pool. The pool will be distributed to the outer boroughs in proportion to the shortfall of each borough's rateable resources over the Greater London average. However, special treatment will be given to four outer boroughs—Barking, Brent, Haringey and Newham—in recognition of their exceptional needs.