HC Deb 05 March 1981 vol 1000 cc180-1W
Mr. John MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for every year since the reform of local government the rate support grant given to Strathclyde regional council expressed (a) in real terms and (b) in constant terms based on 1975 prices.

Mr. Younger

The amount of rate support grants in respect of each year since reorganisation of local government is as follows:

£ million
1975–76 302.7
1976–77 384.1
1977–78 415.1
1978–79 416.2
1979–80 529.4
1980–81 646.0

As indicated in paragraph 5 of the report on the Rate Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1980, further grant may be payable for 1980–81. The figures for 1977–78, 1979–80 and 1980–81 onwards are subject to minor adjustment as final information becomes available. The amount for 1981–82 is not available as the resources element of the rate support grant payable to individual authorities cannot be calculated until all authorities notify rate poundages.

Because relevant expenditure includes loan charges, a variable item, grant is not expressed at constant prices.

Mr. John MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for every year since the reform of local government the rate support grant given to Argyll and Bute district council expressed (a) in real terms and (b) in constant terms based on 1975 prices.

Mr. Younger

The amount of rate support grants in respect of each year since reorganisation of local government is as follows:

£ million
1975–76 1.2
1976–77 1.9
1977–78 2.0
1978–79 1.9
1979–80 2.3
1980–81 2.6

As indicated in paragraph 5 of the report on the Rate Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1980, further grant may be payable for 1980–81. The figures for 1979–80 onwards are subject to minor adjustment when final information about local rating resources becomes available from all authorities. The amount for 1981–82 is not available as the resources element of rate support grant payable to individual authorities cannot be calculated until all authorities notify rate poundages.

Because relevant expenditure includes local charges, a variable item, grant is not expressed at constant prices.