HC Deb 16 December 1992 vol 216 cc318-9W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to ensure that local authorities are able to access ERDF money available within the United Kingdom structural fund programmes.

Mr. Robin Squire

On 30 June 1992 my Department issued to local authorities details of the 1992–93 arrangements for the treatment of ERDF grants through the "other services" block, which covers the generality of ERDF grants for which this Department is responsible. These arrangements ensure that local authorities will receive up to 100 per cent. of supplementary credit capital approvals to provide public expenditure cover for ERDF receipts. From 1993–94 onwards public expenditure cover will be provided for all forecast ERDF receipts.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will release details of how town and parish councils may benefit from new grant cover arrangements for ERDF-eligible projects under the RECHAR programmes.

Mr. Robin Squire

This matter is being discussed with other Departments and it is hoped that advice will be issued in the new year.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish revised guidance for private sector contributions to ERDF eligible projects.

Mr. Robin Squire

My Department is advising applicants that contributions from private bodies to the costs of schemes undertaken by public or semi-public sponsors may form part of the expenditure eligible for ERDF support to those schemes.