HC Deb 03 March 1998 vol 307 cc540-1W
16. Mr. David Heath

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on his proposals to reform capping of local authorities. [30638]

Ms Armstrong

We have received a number of representations on the future of capping.

23. Mr. Hayes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations have been received on the 1998–99 local government financial settlement. [30645]

Ms Armstrong

The Department received 406 written representations within the deadline for responses. I, and other Ministers at the Department, also met the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, delegations from 95 local authorities, and one special interest group during the consultation period.

25. Mr. Peter Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of average council tax levels in 1998–99. [30647]

Mr. Raynsford

It would be premature to make such an assessment until all local authorities have set their budgets.

Mr. Baldry

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans next to meet the Local Government Association to discuss the SSA methodology. [30627]

Mr. Raynsford

My Department will meet shortly with the Local Government Association and other local authority representative organisations to begin its 1998 round of discussions on Standard Spending Assessment methodology and related issues. In addition, SSAs continue to feature in our discussions with the LGA and others in our current review of local government finance.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations have been received on the 1998–99 local government financial settlement. [30634]

Ms Armstrong

The Department received 406 written representations within the deadline for responses. I, and other Ministers at the Department, also met the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, delegations from 95 local authorities, and one special interest group during the consultation period.