§ 21. Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the methodology used to distribute central Government grant to local authorities. [20957]
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§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe methodology used to distribute revenue support grant for 1996–97 is set out in "The Local Government Finance Report (England) 1996–97" approved by this House on 31 January 1996.
§ 22. Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will next meet local government leaders to discuss financial management practices. [20959]
§ Mr. CurryMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets the leaders of the local authority associations regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of issues affecting local government finance, but financial management is a matter for local authorities and their appointed external auditor.