§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) the budgeted change in balances 1993–94, (b) the revised estimated change in balances 1993–94, (c) the estimated change in balances 1994–95, (d) the level of balances of financial reserves as at 31 March 1994 and (e) the estimated level of balances or financial reserves as at 31 March 1995 for each local authority and in total; and if he will state the sources of the information.
§ Mr. GummerThe latest available information as reported for each local authority is given in tables which I have arranged to be placed in the Library of the House. The estimated change in balances in 1993–94 and levels at 1 April 1994 are subject to substantial amendment as authorities finalise their accounts; in general the amount actually drawn down from reserves is substantially less than suggested by local authorities' initial budgets. This is illustrated by the total figures given in the table; 1991–92 and 1992–93 figures have been added as these are the last years for which final figures are available.
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Revenue reserves, all England local authorities Use of balances Budget (1) £ million Revised Estimate (2) £ million Outturn (3) £ million 1991–92 -593 -781 -171 1992–93 -580 -571 280 1993–94 -536 -447 n/a 1994–95 -775 n/a n/a
Level of Reserves Estimate made: One year in advance (4) £ million Current (5) £ million One year later (6) £ million Two years later (7) £ million 31 March—1 April 1991 1,965 2,589 3,500 3,501 31 March—1 April 1992 1,995 2,719 3,410 2,908 31 March—1 April 1993 2,138 2,838 3,625 n/a 31 March—1 April 1994 2,302 3,178 n/a n/a 31 March—1 April 1995 2,403 n/a n/a n/a Sources
Column (1) DOE/CIPFA General Fund Revenue Accounts (RA) return for the year, budgeted figure.
Column (2) RA return for following year, revised estimate figure.
Column (3) Revenue Summary (RS) return for the year, outturn figure. 1992–93 figure is provisional.
Column (4) RA return for the year up to 1 April; implied figure from revised estimate year (Column 6) and estimated and budgeted changes over two years.
Column (5) RA return for the year starting 1 April; implied figure from revised estimate for level at beginning of year and revised estimate of change during year.
Column (6) RA return for the year starting on the following 1 April; revised estimate figure.
Column (7) RS return for the year starting 1 April. 1 April 1992 figure is provisional.
Notes:
Figures include Local Management of Schools and Colleges reserves. Outturn changes may not correspond with implied changes in outturn levels as authorities may further amend their accounts after submitting RS returns.