§ 39. Mr. MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has received from Bedfordshire county council as to its proposed level of spending for the year 1990–91 following his announcement of the revenue support grant; what level of spending he estimates it should keep to; by how much this differs from the proposed level of spending and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeMy right hon. Friend has received no information from Bedfordshire county council on its proposed level of spending for 1990–91. Its standard spending assessment for 1990-91 is £277,308,000. This is an appropriate amount consistent with the provision of a standard level of service. However, Bedfordshire's budget for 1990–91 will depend on its own decisions for which it will be accountable to its chargepayers.