§ 23. Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will explain the method by which standard spending assessments for local authority social services are calculated.
Mr. SquireThe method is set out in the revenue support grant distribution report, which is available in the Library.
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§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the reform of the standard spending assessments in the light of the Audit Commission's report.
Mr. SquireStandard spending assessments (SSAs) are based on extensive analysis, research and continuing discussions with local authority representatives. The Government are not proposing any major changes to SSAs although data from the 1991 census will be incorporated as soon as possible after they become available.
The Audit Commission is in the early stages of a study of standard spending assessments, but it has published no recent report on the subject. We shall, of course, consider any recommendations which the Commission may eventually make.
§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Federation of Master Builders about the release of local authority capital receipts for re-investment; and what was his response.
§ Mr. RedwoodMy Department has received a copy of a press release from the Federation of Master Builders seeking changes in the rules on the use of local authority capital receipts. Local authorities may currently spend 25 per cent. of their capital receipts from the sale of council houses, and 50 per cent. of receipts from most other sources. We have no plans to change these percentages.