§ 34. Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he proposes any changes in the calculation of rate support grant so that it will reflect more quickly rises or falls in population.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe grants working group, involving officials from DOE and representatives of the local authority associations, has done considerable work on the question of population growth and GREs. These studies have not so far substantiated the claim that the expenditure needs of authorities with rapidly growing populations are generally understated. The question is, however, to be the subject of further study by the group, looking to the 1985–86 RSG settlement.