§ Mr. Neil HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will confirm the charge cap of Hillingdon borough council.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI have today laid before the House of Commons a draft order under section 104 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 stating that the amount ("the cap") which Hillingdon's budget for 1990–91 is not to exceed is £141,700,000. If the House approves the draft I shall make the order and serve on the council as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter a notice confirming the amount of Hillingdon's final cap. The way will then be clear for the council to set a new, lower budget within the capped amount and for the charge payers of Hillingdon to benefit from the lower charge that will ensue.