§ 37. Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met representatives of the London grants committee to discuss its budget for 1987–88.
§ Mr. RidleyI met representatives of the committee on 24 March. As a result of representations at the meeting, and others received in response to consultation, I have decided not to proceed to make an order under section 48 of the Local Government Act 1985 to set a ceiling of £28.5 million on the budget of the committee for 1987–88.
The Grants Committee has now fixed a budget of the same amount. I wished to demonstrate support for the voluntary sector in London by proposing to exercise my powers. Having considered all representations received, I have decided it is no longer necessary to proceed further. I am pleased that my action has received its desired effect of establishing an agreed budget and removing uncertainty over the funding of the voluntary groups.