HC Deb 18 March 1991 vol 188 c32W
17. Mr. Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met leaders of Welsh district councils to discuss local government finance.

Mr. David Hunt

On 7 January.

23. Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the average level of poll tax set, to date, by councils in(a) Mid Glamorgan and (b) Wales in respect of the financial year 1991–92.

Mr. David Hunt

Local authorities are required to submit details of their proposed budgets and community charge for the year to my Department but only some of this information has been received to date. Authorities have until close of play today to submit details of their budgets. They are required to submit details of their community charge by 31 March. I am aware of estimates suggesting that the average community charge for 1991–92 will be around £263. Such an outcome would be a disappointing response by local authorities in Wales to the excellent revenue support grant settlement for 1991–92 that I announced to the House on 17 January. If local authorities had budgeted to spend in line with my plans the average community charge level in Wales should not exceed £228; around £190 for counties and around £38 for districts.

Charge payers will know that the responsibility for decisions leading to an average community charge of more than £228 falls squarely on those authorities that have failed to spend in line with the realistic and achievable plans I have announced for the coming financial year.