§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his decision on the final cap for Sheffield city council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend has laid before the House a draft order, under section 57 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, setting out our decision on the final cap for Sheffield city council, which had challenged its proposed cap and put forward a higher alternative. We have considered very carefully all the available relevant information, including the case made by the authority in support of a higher cap, before taking our decision. We have concluded that some relaxation in the proposed cap for Sheffield would be justified and have decided to increase its cap by £3 million.
The final cap for Sheffield is £381.65 million. This cap is, in our view, reasonable, appropriate and achievable in all the circumstances of Sheffield.