HC Deb 02 December 1976 vol 921 cc207-8W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to make a statement on the Government's response to the Layfield Report on Local Government Finance.

Mr. Freeson

Following my right hon. Friend's statement to the House on 19th May 1976, the Government have been consulting interested organisations and have been receiving the views of the public, which were asked for by the end of November. Discussions are continuing with the local authority associations. The views and comments we have received will be considered and a full statement made as soon as practicable.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the best estimate available to him of the likely total balance or deficit in local authority accounts at the close of the financial year.

Mr. Shore

At 31st March 1976 balances on rate fund accounts reported by local authorities in England and Wales showed a total net credit of just over £1,000 million. On the basis of estimated changes in income and expenditure during 1976–77 this total is likely to have been reduced by around £200 million to stand at a net credit of just over £800 million at the end of the current year.