§ Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the change in rate support grant for Northamptonshire, he will state his Department's calculation of the percentage increase in rates they would produce, on the assumption that the county council budgets to spend at a level which maximises its rate support grant.
§ Mrs. RumboldIf all authorities spend at the level assumed in the RSG settlement, the rate in the pound Northamptonshire are assumed for grant purposes to raise from ratepayers increases by 2.5 per cent. over the 1985–86 county precept. To maximise their block grant entitlement, Northamptonshire would need to reduce expenditure until grant allocation equalled expenditure. For 1986–87 this would mean spending at about £127 million.
§ Mr. Snapeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has refused to meet a delegation from the metropolitan borough of Sandwell to discuss the rate support grant allocation for 1985–86, as requested by the hon. Member for West Bromwich, East.
§ Mrs. RumboldAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I should be glad to meet a delegation from the metropolitan borough of Sandwell on my right hon. Friend's behalf.