§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is considering the representations that he has received about his proposals to seek to amend the powers which local authorities possess to award gratutities.
§ Mr. ChopeAs far as the local Act powers are concerned, my right hon. Friend has decided not to proceed with the proposed repeals. He is, however, concerned about the extent to which these powers continue to be used, and will discuss this with the local authorities concerned.
As far as the general regulations are concerned, there is no need for gratuities to be retained in the present form. Employees who are not members of their occupational pension scheme are entitled to benefit from SERPS, and the widows of local government employees who die in service receive half-rate pensions which are largely paid for by the employers.
Therefore the amendments to the general regulations on gratuities, announced in the consultative draft circulated in July, will still allow gratuities to be paid for service up to the operational date of the regulations and will be made as soon as possible.