HC Deb 22 April 1987 vol 114 cc641-2W
Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the local authority associations on developing grant-related expenditure assessments for local authorities personal social services expenditure; what steps he has taken to ensure that personal social services grant-related expenditures reflect need; and what proposals he has to develop personal social services grant-related expenditures in the future.

Dr. Boyson

I will answer this question shortly.

Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, when determining 1988–89 grant-related expenditure assessments for local authorities' expenditure on adult education, he will take account of (a) the case for those who are disadvantaged in the labour market to have greater access to relevant courses and (b) the variations between local education authorities in the capacity to generate income through fees;

(2) whether he will amend the grant-related expenditure assessment for local authorities' expenditure on the library service to reflect (a) the demands generated by the elderly, the unemployed and ethnic minorities and students and (b) the provision of libraries and specialised services in regional and business centres.

Dr. Boyson

Grant-related expenditure assessments for 1987–88 were approved by the House on 26 March. We are now consulting the local authority associations on arrangements for the 1988–89 settlement. We intend to bring forward proposals for the 1988–89 settlement in the autumn.

Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will re-examine the grant-related expenditure assessment for local authorities' expenditure on non-HRA housing expenditure and in particular (a) the data sources for the assessment of need and (b) alternative treatment of loan charges.

Dr. Boyson

The grant-related expenditure assessment for non-HRA housing expenditure was reviewed fully last year by representatives of central and local government through the grants working group. We do not propose to review it again this year.

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