HC Deb 29 January 1990 vol 166 cc70-1W
Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the relevant population of the borough of Eastbourne for the purpose of calculating entitlement to revenue support grant; and how he arrived at the figure for the relevant population

(2) what representations he has received from; the Eastbourne borough council about the size of the relevant population of the borough of Eastbourne for the purpose of calculating revenue support grant for the year ending 31 March 1991; and whether he is satisfied that the figure for the size of the relevant population is as accurate as possible.

Mr. Chope

[holding answer 26 January 1990]The relevant population for the borough of Eastbourne for 1990–91 is 67,903. This figure has been calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Population Report (England) approved by the House on 18 January. For Eastbourne, the calculation is based on data provided and certified by the community charges registration officer for the borough, and I have no reason to believe that the figure is not accurate. I have received no representations about the size of the relevant population. The treasurer did, however, make representations about the estimates of population used in calculating standard spending assessments, which are derived from a different source. These representations were considered before my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England).

Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what procedures exist for altering the distribution of revenue support grant for a district council for the year ending 31 March 1991 where it is discovered that an error has been made in assessing the size of the relevant population.

Mr. Chope

[holding answer 26 January 1990]The relevant population for each district council for 1990–91 has been calculated in accordance with the Population Report (England). I am not aware of any errors having been made in this calculation. If any errors were discovered, my right hon. Friend would consider what action was necessary, depending on the circumstances of the case.