HC Deb 26 October 1983 vol 47 c113W
39. Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the level of rate support grant paid to Islington in the current year; and how it compares in real terms with each preceding year back to 1979.

Mr. Waldegrave

The figures are as follows:

£ million
1978–79 50.319
1979–80 49.488
1980–81 46.484
1981–82 31.928
1982–83 27.545
1983–84 27.868

The rate support grant arrangements changed in 1981–82, and the figures for earlier years are not comparable with those for 1981–82 onwards. The figures for 1978–79, 1979–80 and 1980–81 include needs element—the borough did not qualify for resources element—and payments under the London rate equalisation scheme, and are revalued to 1981–82 settlement prices. The 1978–79 and 1979–80 figures are final; that for 1980–81 covers payments made to date. The figures for 1981–82 onwards include block grant, after holdback, and payments under the London rate equalisation scheme, and are in cash terms. The 1981–82 figure includes grant paid in respect of the GLC, ILEA, and Metropolitan police. The 1982–83 figure includes grant paid in respect of the Metropolitan police; grant was paid direct to the GLC and ILEA in that year. If Islington had spent at target in 1982–83 and 1983–84 it would have received £38.909 million and £38.029 million, respectively.