§ Mr. Jack Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will seek the views of the local authority associations about the likely effect of the miners' dispute upon future rate support grant settlements, in view of the formula established under the National Coal Board Rateable Valuation Order 1977;
(2) if he will estimate the likely effect of the loss of rate income to local authorities from the National Coal Board under the arrangements established in the National Coal Board Rateable Valuation Order (S.I. 1977, No. 2083); and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration is being given to assisting those local authorities in coal mining areas with the financial consequences of the loss of rates from the National Coal Board due to lack of output from the collieries within their rating area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveRate support grant in 1985–86 will be paid on the basis of rateable values at 1 April 1984. 395W Under the provisions of the 1977 order, the rateable value of National Coal Board property at 1 April 1984 is derived from production in 1982–83. Local authorities have recently been notified of the rateable values at 1 April 1985 of the NCB properties in their areas. They will therefore be able to take this into account in setting their rates for 1985–86. Changes in rateable value from year to year are reflected a year in arrears in the distribution of block grant, on which I consult the local authority associations.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration is being given to assisting financially those local authorities in coal mining areas who are granting financial assistance, under the Child Care Act, to those adjudged to be in need; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThis is a matter principally for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, but local authorities are paid block grant in aid of their revenue expenditure generally.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider exempting from financial penalties increased expenditure incurred by local authorities in mining areas arising under the Child Care Act because of the continuation of the mining dispute.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend will consider any representation to this effect which he receives.