HC Deb 12 March 1984 vol 56 cc25-6W
Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what factors are taken into account and what is the basis for setting the principle used in constructing 1984–85 expenditure guidance that the maximum percentage reduction from authorities adjusted expenditure for 1983–84 is 6 per cent.

Mr. Waldegrave

The expenditure guidance for 1984–85 was set in the light of the Government's concern about overspending by local authorities; of its belief that present economic circumstances necessitated further restraints; and of the consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State of the representations made to him by local authorities and their associations.

Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the method of calculating grant-related expenditure accounts for expenditure incurred by partnership and programme authorities on urban programme projects on which grant is paid under section 1 of the Local Government Grants (Social Needs) Act 1969.

Mr. Waldegrave

Expenditure on approved projects is supported by urban programme grant at the rate of 75 per cent. Local authorities are expected to fund the remaining 25 per cent. from their own resources. There is therefore no specific grant related expenditure (GRE) assessment for current expenditure on the urban programme, although urban programme capital allocations do count towards GRE for financing capital spending. Nevertheless GREs for a number-of key services do take substantial account of factors reflecting inner city needs, and per capita GREs for these authorities are generally well above the average for authorities in the same class.

Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Woodcock) on 8 November 1983, Official Report, columns 599–600, if he will list for each of the metropolitan counties, except Merseyside, the level of Government support for public expenditure.

Mr. Waldegrave

It is not possible to prepare the figures for the other metropolitan county authorities in the, time available. I shall write to the hon. Member.