Local Authorities (Expenditure)

HC Deb 16 May 1984 vol 60 cc192-3W

17. Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he expects to make an announcement about reductions in local authority expenditure in the current year.

Mr. Ancram

My right hon. Friend discussed local authorities' expenditure plans for 1984–85 when he met the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on 30 April and is considering what it said on that occasion. He made it clear that there would be a general abatement of grant.

29. Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he is giving to the views of local authorities over their budget proposals for 1984–85.

Mr. Ancram

My right hon. Friend discussed local authorities' expenditure plans for 1984–85 when he met the Convention of Scottish local authorities on 30 April. He is presently considering what action to take in the light of the overspending planned by authorities and will take into account the points made to him by the convention.