§ Ms BuckTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional costs are incurred within London in the provision of refuse collection and disposal services; and what allowance he makes for this in funding London local government. [49439]
§ Mr. RaynsfordIn 1996–97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on refuse collection was £76m, which is equivalent to £10.77 per head of population. The corresponding figure for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was £429m, which is equivalent £10.21 per head of population.
In 1996–97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on refuse disposal was £96m, which is equivalent to £13.54 per head of population. The corresponding figure for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was £451m, which is equivalent to £10.74 per head of population.
Different levels of expenditure may reflect variations in service and performance across Local Authorities, not just costs.
The need for expenditure by local authorities on the provision of refuse collection and disposal services is taken into account in the calculation of the 'other services' element of the standard spending assessments and hence in revenue support grant entitlements. The formula used to determine the amount for each local authority is given in The Local Government Finance Report (England) 1998/99 (HC506).