§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Langbaurgh (Mr. Holt) of 27 March,Official Report, column 459, if he will (a) set out the precise basis of his calculation and (b) show the increase between 1988–89 and 1991–92 for Southampton district council using budget figures only.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 10 May 1991]: The components used to calculate the increase between 1988–89 and 1990–91 in the table to which the hon. Member refers were as follows:
Expenditure in 1988–89 to compare with demand in 1990–91 was taken from information reported by the authority on form RS1B and comprises:
- Total expenditure 1988–89
- less Parish Precepts
- less Rate Fund Contribution to Housing Revenue Account
- less Rent Rebates
- plus Variation in balances
Demand in 1990–91 was the figure returned by the authority.
70WIncrease in spending levels 1988–89 to 1990–91 comprises: Demand 1990–91/Expenditure in 1988–89 to compare with demand
Southampton district council's increase in spending from 1988–89 to 1991–92 based on the budget returns is 46 per cent.