§ Q69. Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the implementation of the Government's programme for reforming local government finance.
§ The Prime MinisterGood progress continues to be made on all aspects of the new arrangements. Comprehensive community charge registers have been compiled and charge payers notified of their entries. A £4 million information campaign has been launched to ensure maximum take-up of rebates and relief. The poundage for the uniform business rate has been set and new rating lists are available for public inspection. A circular has been issued with details of the new capital finance system and authorities have received their basic credit approvals. It is now for all local authorities to budget prudently in the light of the revenue support grant settlement approved by the House on 18 January, in the knowledge that they will be held to account by charge payers for excessive expenditure.