§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the forecast level of spending by local authorities for 1998–99; and what is the percentage change in real terms compared to 1997–98. [20549]
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§ Mr. Ron DaviesThe provisional capping plans that I announced on 10 December will increase Welsh local authorities spending power by over 4.5 per cent. My capping plans are not spending targets, however, and I cannot predict local authorities spending decisions for 1998–99. They have until March 1998 to set budgets.