HC Deb 26 July 1989 vol 157 cc780-1W
64. Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning clause 125 of the Local Government and Housing Bill and the question of grant penalty being applied in the event of emergency expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Hunt

I have received a number of representations concerning what is now clause 142 of the Local Government and Housing Bill. One of the features of the new local government finance system is that there will be no link between an authority's spending and the amount of revenue support grant it receives. Expenditure on emergency work will not, therefore, result in any grant penalty.