§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the procedure for local authorities in appealing against their standard spending assessments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. and learned Friend announced his proposals for standard spending assessments for 1993–94 on 26 November 1992. There is now a period of consultation until 31 December 1992 during98W which local authorities and Members of Parliament may make written representations about any aspects of SSAs. We will also try to satisfy as many requests for meetings as is practical during this period. All representations will be carefully considered before decisions are announced in January 1993.
§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the local authority associations on changes to the criteria for standard spending assessments for 1993–94.
§ Mr. Robin Squire[holding answer. 9 December 1992]: The proposals which were announced on 26 November as part of the provisional revenue support grant settlement followed extensive discussion with the local authority associations about the methodology for standard spending assessments. We are now in the middle of a period of formal consultation on these proposals which continues until 31 December. So far we have received a letter from the chairman of the London Boroughs Association setting out a number of areas of concern to London boroughs and requesting a meeting. We have also received a letter from the Association of County Councils expressing concern at the provision for spending on the fire service within SSAs for 1993–94. All representations from the associations and individual local authorities will be carefully considered before final decisions are reached in the new year.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list the proposed increases in standard spending assessment and revenue support grant for 1993–94 over 1992–93 for Brighton, Blackpool and Southend-on-Sea; and Dorset, Sussex, Lancashire and Essex;
(2) what is his proposed increase in standard spending assessment and revenue support grant for Bournemouth for 1993–94 over 1992–93; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin Squire[holding answer 10 December 1992]: The proposed increase in SSA between 1992–93 and 1993–94 for the authorities requested is shown in the table. The 1992–93 figures used in making the comparisons have been adjusted for major changes in function, mainly the transfer of further education, so that they are comparable with the 1993–94 figures.
Under the community charge system revenue support grant—RSG—is paid into collection funds. In shire areas there is no separate grant towards county and district level services. The distribution of RSG depends, among other factors, on the amount which could be raised from relevant adults in the area and the income from non-domestic rates—NDR—which is distributed in line with relevant adults. Under the council tax, RSG will be paid to all tiers of authorities and will depend, among other factors, on the income which could be raised from the taxbase of equivalent dwellings. The income from the NDR will depend on resident population. It is thus not possible to provide the grant figures requested on a comparable basis.
99W
Increase in provisional 1993–94 SSA over adjusted 1992–93 SSA Local authority £ million Bournemouth 0.080 Brighton 1.880 Blackpool 1.447 Southend-on-Sea -0.728 Dorset 12.376
Local authority £ million East Sussex 27.575 West Sussex 14.503 Lancashire 17.808 Essex 34.806