§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he expects it to be necessary to review the grant-related expenditure assessments for police and fire services if the metropolitan counties and the Greater London council are abolished, as referred to in paragraph 8 of his consultation paper, "Streamlining the Cities: Implications for Block Grant."
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe method of making grant-related expenditure assessments for police and fire services318W has not been changed substantially since the block grant system was introduced in 1981–82. When single service joint boards are established to be responsible for these services in the metropolitan areas, and for the fire service in London, it will be more important than ever that the GRE's accurately reflect expenditure needs. That was why it may be necessary to review them. But I shall be interested to see the views of those consulted on this issue.
§ Dr. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the system of targets and penalties currently applied to local authorities in England and Wales will also be applied to the joint boards that are proposed in each of the metropolitan areas of England to replace the metropolitan county councils; and what procedures will ensure that the precept of the joint boards and the rates of district councils in the revised metropolitan government structure outlined in Cmnd. 9063 are set at a level consistent with Government targets.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe proposed reorganisation of local government is not due to take effect until 1 April 1986. No decisions have yet been taken on whether to issue expenditure targets for local authorities for 1986–87. However, the precepts of each joint board will be subject to approval by the appropriate Secretary of State for the first three financial years.