HC Deb 10 December 1985 vol 88 cc553-4W
Dr. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the total of (a) gross and (b) net capital expenditure by local authorities at (i) plan and (ii) estimated out-turn in each year from 1981–82 and 1986–87.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

[pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1985: The following table gives the information requested for the main cash limit on local authority capital expenditure, DOE/LAI. The outturn figures for 1981–82 to 1984–85 are as reported by local authorities. The position for 1985–86 is very uncertain. Latest projections on the basis of the second quarter expenditure returns suggest an overspend against the cash limit of about £¾ billion. Any eventual overspend would be met from the public expenditure reserve. It would be most unwelcome but, on the basis of current forecasts of other claims on the reserve, it is expected that it can be contained within the estimated outturn for the planning total shown in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement.

Local Authority Capital Expenditure Against DOE/LAI: England
Plan* Outturn*
Gross Net Gross Net
1981–82 4,007 3,139 3,945 2,610
1982–83 4,541 3,385 4,750 2,515
1983–84 4,729 2,935 5,580 3,350
1984–85† 4,438 2,453 5,581 3,394
1985–86† 4,031 1,911 ‡(4,764) ‡(2,676)
1986–87† 4,329 2,366
* Net plan is the DOE/LAI cash limit. Gross estimate of recipts underlying gross provision.
† The figures for 1984–85, 1985–86 and 1986–87 exclude local authority capital expenditure on urban aid which is included in the DOE/LAI cash limit for these years with provision of £283 million, £289 million, and £261 million. Estimated outturn in 1984–85 was £260 million.
‡ Forecast.