Local Authorities (Staff)

HC Deb 30 July 1980 vol 989 cc740-1W

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he expects local government employment to decline in 1981–82.

Mr. King

Yes. An overall reduction in employment in local government in 1981–82 is implicit in the Government's expenditure plans for local authorities, since manpower costs account for about 70 per cent. of their gross current expenditure.