§ Mr. Barry Fieldasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has carried out further estimates of block grant payable to local authorities for 1987–88.
§ Mr. HowardThe Secretary of State's previous estimates of local authorities' entitlements to block grant were made in May 1987 following approval of the Rate Support Grant Supplementary Report (England) 1987–88. My right hon. Friend exercised his discretion under section 66(1) of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, and made further estimates of the amounts of block grant payable on 20 October. He took account of the further information on expenditure or rateable value or both which he had received from 72 authorities on or before 19 October. The authorities concerned have been notified of the new estimates. I expect that revised payments will take effect from 6 November. The total of block grant payable to local authorities is now £8,749 million, £12 million less than the previous amount.