HC Deb 02 July 1979 vol 969 cc410-1W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how, since local authorities have freedom of expenditure within each housing investment programme block, and since acquisition and improvement work are all contained within such block, he will enforce his declared intention of reducing municipalisation expenditure by £85 million in the present financial year.

Mr. Stanley

The previous block borrowing approval, so far as it related to municipalisation, has been withdrawn. Local authorities are for the moment required to submit individual applications for borrowing approval for this purpose. Such approvals will be given only in special circumstances.

Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has instructed local government and central Government to prepare reductions of 2 ½ per cent. and 7 ½ per cent. in the current year's education expenditure forecasts as a basis for the 1980 financial settlement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. King

As in previous years, the consultative council on local government finance has asked central and local government officials to examine the implications for local government services, including education, of various levels of expenditure. For 1980 –81 levels of expenditure 2½, per cent. and 7½ per cent. below the provision in Cmnd. 7439 are amongst those being examined. No decision has been taken on the bases for the rate support grant settlement.