§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that a London Regional Transport rate precept to London boroughs will be weighted according to the public transport facilities prevailing in individual boroughs; and if he will provide a breakdown of the likely cost on an individual borough by borough basis.
§ Mr. RidleyNo. The levy on the London boroughs, like the GLC's precept at present, will be calculated on the basis of a common rate poundage throughout Greater London.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport how individual boroughs will be able to influence public transport policy in their own areas; and how they would be able to raise finance for individual schemes if the London Regional Transport Bill becomes law.
§ Mr. RidleyThe London Regional Transport Bill will impose on LRT an obligation to consult London boroughs in the preparation of its strategy statements, and to inform boroughs each year of its current plans with respect to the general level of transport services and facilities and the general level and structure of fares.
Clause 28 of the Bill will empower boroughs to make arrangements with LRT for the provision of services which would not otherwise be available. (It will be for individual boroughs to consider the extent to which they wish to make use of this power, taking into account their overall expenditure plans and their view of relative priorities.) Expenditure on such services will be financed in the same way as all other expenditure incurred by boroughs.