HC Deb 18 January 1994 vol 235 cc581-2W
Mr. Forman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on his proposed notional amounts for capping in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

We have received a small number of representations from authorities, including new information and revised data, which we are considering carefully. However, we have now reached preliminary views on all these representations, and we are today informing authorities of our current proposals reflecting these preliminary conclusions. I am arranging for a table showing our current proposals for notional amounts to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Bates

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 29 November to the hon. Member for Erewash (Mrs. Knight),Official Report, column 380, if he has reached any decisions on the Local Government Commission's final recommendations for Cleveland: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

I have today written to Sir John Banham, chairman of the Local Government Commission, giving my decisions on the commission's recommendations for Cleveland as set out in its report "Final Recommendations on the Future Local Government of Cleveland and Durham".

After considering the commission's recommendations and the representations made, I have concluded that effective and convenient local government in Cleveland would be achieved by abolishing Cleveland county council and establishing four unitary authorities for the area—commission recommendation 1—and that this would reflect the identities and interests of local people. I have accepted in principle that the county of Cleveland should be abolished, but I shall defer a final decision until I have reached decisions on the commission's forthcoming recommendations for Durham and North Yorkshire.

The remaining recommendations for Cleveland have been accepted as submitted, except that I am still considering the proposal that I direct the commission to undertake a further parish review.

In agreeing with the establishment of unitary authorities based on existing districts, I have given careful consideration to representations which I received about the implications for those services and functions currently performed on a wider basis. My decision is based on a presumption that the authorities which are to become unitary will work together to plan for these services and functions, and will forge working links with other bodies such as health authorities.

The boundaries of the four proposed unitary authorities, which I intend to establish in April 1995, correspond to those of the existing district councils. Where the boundaries of unitary authorities and existing authorities coincide in this way I propose as a general rule to consult the local authorities concerned about the desirability of holding elections for the whole council in the May preceding the 1 April reorganisation date. Accordingly, I am now consulting the majority and minority groups on each district council, and Cleveland county council, to seek their views about whether or not elections should be held in May 1994. I will make a further announcement about the outcome of that consultation.

An order giving effect to the commission's recommendations for Cleveland, with the aforementioned modifications, will be laid before the House in due course. A copy of my letter to Sir John Banham has been placed in the Library.