HC Deb 28 October 1993 vol 230 cc717-8W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received from local authorities concerning his review of standard spending assessments.

Mr. Baldry

A total of 197 local authorities have responded to our invitation to make representations on the review of standard spending assessments for 1994–95.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extent to which the current differential in grant and standard spending assessments between different authorities for primary and secondary education(a) are excessive or (b) relate accurately to the different needs of pupils in different authorities.

Mr. Baldry

The standard spending assessment element for education is based on detailed research and analysis fully discussed with the local authority associations. Both the primary and secondary education assessments incorporate an index of additional educational need which is based on indicators reflecting the social and economic characteristics of the population of each authority.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying the range of standard spending assessments for other district level services.

Mr. Baldry

The standard spending assessments of individual authorities for other district level services are based on the formula set out in the Local Government Finance Report for 1993–94, which was approved by the House in February. The formula reflects those social and demographic characteristics of each area considered to be relevant in the provision of this group of services.

Mr. Betts

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current timetable for the review of standard spending assessments.

Mr. Baldry

Work on the review of standard spending assessments for 1994–95 has now finished. My right hon. Friend will announce the outcome of the review later in the autumn as part of his proposals for revenue support grant for 1994–95. There will then be a period of consultation on those proposals, as in previous years.