§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding lost revenue arising from the recent rating appeal in the case of Severn Trent water authorityv. Cakebread; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardWe have received a number of representations regarding the way in which losses of rate income are dealt with in the block grant system. The local authority associations have sought a meeting with the Department to discuss the matter, and we shall consider all the representations we have received when that meeting has taken place.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take arising from the outcome of the recent rating appeal in the case of Severn Trent water authorityv. Cakebread.
§ Mr. HowardAs my right hon. Friend announced on 9 March, we shall be tabling amendments to the Local Government Finance Bill that will have the effect of restoring the law to what it was understood to be before the Court of Appeal's decision.