HC Deb 08 August 1980 vol 990 cc361-2W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further action he proposes to take against local authorities who breach the cash limits set by his Department or continue to ignore his directives on staff recruitment and reductions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

As regards current expenditure I am not empowered to impose cash limits on individual local authorities or to issue directives on staffing levels. I have, however, informed authorities that, when information becomes available about actual expenditure in 1980–81, I shall consider using my present powers to reduce rate support grant payable to authorities which have incurred excessive and unreasonable expenditure levels and that I am considering seeking additional powers. I also refer to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram) on 31 July.—[Vol. 989, c.817.] As regards capital expenditure, overspending by individual authorities in 1979–80 which caused a breach

Highland region and in the employment office areas of Inverness, Fort William and Portree, which between them cover the districts specified.

of cash limits has led to reductions in their allocations for 1980–81.