HC Deb 29 July 1983 vol 46 c711W
Mr. Amess

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what way he proposes to deal with the overspending by Basildon district council.

Mr. Waldegrave

All local authorities were given expenditure guidance figures for 1983-84, and asked to budget within them. Basildon district council have chosen not to do so. As a result, my right hon. Friend is withholding £1 355 million in block grant under the Rate Support Grant Supplementary Report (England) 1983-84, which was approved by the House on 26 July. The Government will continue to apply pressure on local authorities through the block grant system to curb overspending.