Mr. SpicerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment as to the number of district authorities which would be granted a provisional increase in their standard spending assessments of more than 10 per cent. in 1994–95 was made in reaching his determination, expressed in his Budget statement, that the growth in spending in England in 1994–95 would be limited to 2.3 per cent.
§ Mr. BaldryThe figure for total standard spending for 1994–95 represents the Government's view of an appropriate level of net revenue expenditure by local authorities taking account of the pressures on local authorities and general economic conditions. The distribution of the total of standard spending assessments will be determined according to the formulae set out in the local government finance report laid before the House on 27 January. As a result of the extensive review of the method of calculating SSAs for 1994–95 some authorities will find their SSAs increasing between years while others will face a reduction.