HC Deb 17 July 1978 vol 954 cc74-5W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total cost to local authorities in England and Wales for the latest available year of councillors' attendance allowances; and what proportion this represented of revenue expenditure.

Mr. Guy Barnett

£9.4 million in 1975–76. This is less than 0.1 per cent. of total net rate fund expenditure.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increase would be needed in the £10 maximum daily attendance allowance for local councillors in order to maintain its 1974 purchasing power.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The maximum daily rate of attendance allowance is now £11. In terms of purchasing power, £10 in April 1974 approximates to £18.50 today.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has now been made with the review of travelling and subsistence allowances for local councillors announced in November 1976.

Mr. Guy Barnett

My right hon. Friend in his reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 21st March 1978 set out the issues which it had been agreed should be the subject of detailed consideration and stated that these matters would be the subject of further discussions with local government representatives. Meetings with local government representatives were held on 2nd and 29th June 1978.—[Vol. 946, c.485–6.]