§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which components used in calculation of standard spending assessments are being revised in the current review being undertaken.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe primary aim of the current review of standard spending assessments is to incorporate detailed information from the 1991 census into the underlying SSA formulae. We are taking this opportunity in consultation with local authority representatives to consider more widely the range of social factors used within SSAs and the weight placed upon them, the basis of the area cost adjustment, measures of population density and sparsity and the inclusion of day visitors. We are also prepared to consider representations about other aspects of SSAs.
§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the method of calculation of standard spending assessments.
§ Mr. Robin SquireWe have so far received 33 letters from local authorities responding to our invitation to make representations on the review of standard spending assessments for 1994–95 and to provide evidence to support any proposed changes.
There will be regular meetings between my officials and representatives of the local authority associations until September to discuss the technical aspects of the review.