HC Deb 29 November 1976 vol 921 cc39-41W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to announce the rate support grant allocation for Surrey County Council for 1977–78.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Local authorities will be sent details of the basis of their needs element allocations as soon as the 1976 rate support grant order is laid in early December. The grant amounts are

salaries, as between different accounts, the proportions are shown separately for rate fund services, housing revenue account and trading accounts. The figures shown are gross in that they do not take account of income from sales fees and charges but in order to avoid double-counting they are net of "other income" which consists largely of intra-authority transfers. Comparable figures for 1975–76 are not yet available.

contingent on parliamentary approval of the order. There should be a debate on the order before Christmas.

Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ensure that there is no material change as far as Surrey County Council is concerned in the rate support grant distribution formula for 1977–78.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Our proposals for grant distribution take account of the differences in expenditure need between authorities. I cannot single out individual authorities for special treatment.