HC Deb 14 November 1979 vol 973 c649W
Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to announce the allocation of the rate support grant for 1980–81.

54. Mr. Nicholas Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he anticipates the composition of rate support grant will be changed to remove the present discrimination against the shire counties.

Mr. Heseltine

I shall announce the 1980–81 rate support grant settlement on 16 November.

Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he is making in his review of the rate support grant system.

Mr. Heseltine

I shall be making an announcement shortly.

Mr. Major

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has held concerning the reform of the rate support grant.

Mr. Heseltine

We are, of course, constantly in touch with those chiefly concerned about the defects of the present system and the future development of rate support grant, but I have held no formal consultations.

59. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider abolishing the rate support grant and restoring to local authorities total responsibility for their revenue and their expenditure.

Mr. Heseltine

No.