§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in determining the Rate Support Increase Order 1980–81, what criteria he will apply in respect of local authorities which are overspending; and whether he will base his decision on a division into large units, such as Greater London, metropolitan or shire councils, or smaller units such as local authority districts.
§ Mr. Tom KingThe general criteria are set out in paragraphs 42 to 46 of the report on the Rate Support Grant Order 1979 which my right hon. Friend laid before the House on 28 November last. They will apply at the level of the rating authority—that is districts and London boroughs—but will take into account precepts issued by higher tier authorities.