HC Deb 08 May 1991 vol 190 c519W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how and when the standard spending assessment is adjusted to take account of changes in the level of unemployment; and what is his estimate of the additional costs falling on Grimsby borough council in each category of spending covered by the standard spending assessment for each percentage point rise in unemployment in the Grimsby area.

Mr. Key

The level of unemployment is not a factor used in the calculation of standard spending assessments. There is no evidence that spending on the services provided by local authorities should rise in proportion to increases in the rate of unemployment. Local spending decisions are, in any case, a matter for Grimsby borough council in the light of its knowledge of local circumstances.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in theOfficial Report for (a) Grimsby and (b) Cleethorpes, (i) the percentage by which spending is above the standard spending assessment and (ii) the proposed council tax for each band; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Key

Tables showing illustrative council tax bills in each local authority area were published on 23 April. The tables included the assumed percentage spending relative to the standard spending assessment.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, further to his answers of 29 April,Official Report, column 13, if he will ensure that an increase in spending over the standard spending assessment does not fall disproportionately heavily on the council tax levied by poorer boroughs.

Mr. Key

Under our proposals for the council tax, spending above the standard spending assessment in every local authority will be met pound for pound by local domestic tax payers.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing for(a) Great Grimsby, (b) Barrow in Furness, (c) Westminster, (d) Wandsworth and (e) Mole Valley, the proportion of council expenditure financed out of revenue from rates in 1979–80 and 1989–90, the estimated proportion financed out of the poll tax in 1990–91 and his forecast under the council tax.

Mr. Key

It is not possible to produce comparable figures on an individual authority basis for the years requested.