§ Mr. Roy HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now consider reimbursing local authorities with an additional £3 million to meet the cost of introducing the poll tax.
4W
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend made it clear at the time that the terms of the 1989–90 RSG settlement were fixed, and that remains the position. Under the settlement, the total revenue provision made in 1989–90 for the implementation of the community charge in Wales was £9 million. Local authorities are budgeting to spend £10.9 million. Capital allocations of £10.3 million were given and local authorities are budgeting to spend £9.1 million. These are budget estimates and it is too early to form a judgment on the level of actual expenditure which might be incurred. I have made it clear to local authorities in Wales that overall spending should not exceed the Government's plans.