§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the material deprivation index devised by the School of advanced Urban Studies at the University of Bristol in the context of his review of standard spending assessments.
§ Mr. BaldryThe measurement of social and economic deprivation proposed for use in standard spending assessments arising from the review is based on detailed statistical analysis discussed with the local authority associations. The proposed assessments use a wider range of indicators than that devised by the school of advanced urban studies including some outside the census, such as unemployment.
§ Mr. John EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to further amend the formula for the calculation of standard spending assessment.
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend has consulted on the provisional revenue support grant settlement for 1994–95 including his proposals for standard spending assessments. All the representations which have been received and any other relevant information will be carefully considered before final proposals are brought before the House shortly.