§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effect of his Department's policies on the residents of Bournemouth since 1992, with special reference to the effects of changes in the resources provided in real terms. [14952]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe local government review is an opportunity for improved services and more effective local government for the people of Bournemouth. As of 1 April 1997, Bournemouth borough council will be responsible for delivering the full range of local authority services, enabling improved services with efficiency savings.
Bournemouth borough council's standard spending assessment for the financial year 1997–98 will be £119,120,000. This represents an increase of £1,382,000, or 1.2 per cent. on the comparable figure for 1996–97. The Department does not have data for earlier years with which to calculate a SSA for a unitary Bournemouth so it is not possible to make a like-for-like comparison with 1992–93.
It is possible to compare the sum of the SSAs per head of Bournemouth borough council and Dorset police authority in 1997–98 with the sum of SSAs per head of Bournemouth borough council, Dorset county council and Dorset police authority in 1992–93. Although this is not entirely accurate, because it approximates to Bournemouth the average SSA per head of the county and police authority rather than the proportion relating to Bournemouth's needs, it is a reasonable approximation. On this basis, the total SSA per head of Bournemouth and the authorities which precept on it was £684 in 1992–93 and £789 in 1997–98. These figures do not take account of changes in local government functions, for example the transfer of further education from local authorities 1993–94.
Bournemouth borough council was successful in its bid for funding under the pilot capital challenge scheme. The council will receive a credit approval of £1.9 million for environmental works to enhance Bournemouth town square.
Bournemouth is benefiting from two schemes which have received funding from the Government's single regeneration budget challenge fund.
Dorset training and enterprise council's bid, "Community Focus—Turlin Moor and Boscombe", was one of 172 schemes awarded funding under round 2 of the challenge fund. "Community Focus—Turlin Moor and Boscombe" is a four-year scheme to meet training and educational needs in two areas which suffer from high 258W crime rates and low employment. Over the full four years, it should receive a total of £406,000 in support from the challenge fund. This money, complemented by £395,000 of private sector funding and other public money, should create six jobs; involve 100 employers in collaborative education projects; and benefit 720 young people.
Bournemouth borough council's bid, "Making Small Firms Big Business—Dorset", was also awarded funding under round 2 of the challenge fund. "Making Small Firms Big Business—Dorset" is a three-year scheme to improve the infrastructure and competitiveness of the tourist industry in Dorset. Over the full three years, it should receive a total of £314,000 in support from the challenge fund. This money, complemented by £312,000 of private sector funding and £177,000 of other public money, should create or safeguard 51 jobs; advise 1,050 businesses; and help 1,100 people to obtain qualifications.
Residents of Bournemouth who live in houses in multiple occupation such as bedsits, shared houses, hostels and some houses converted into flats, will benefit from measures to improve fire safety and other standards in their homes introduced under the Housing Act 1996. The measures, which will come into force on 3 March, will make it easier for local authorities to ensure that HMOs meet acceptable standards. Bournemouth borough council will also be able to apply to the Department of the Environment for special powers to close down HMOs if they cause a nuisance or annoyance to the neighbourhood and to prevent new HMOs opening if they would be detrimental to the area.