§ 22. Mr. RammellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make1090W a statement on discussions he has had with the Local Government Association about local government finance. [54348]
§ Ms ArmstrongWe are maintaining a close and effective working relationship with the Local Government Association. The Deputy Prime Minister and I, along with other Cabinet colleagues, last met them to discuss local government finance at the Central Local Partnership meeting on 21 September. I also met groupings of authorities suggested by the Association to discuss the report by the SSA sub-group on possible changes in Standard Spending Assessments. A wide range of differing interests were covered and in the light of all the evidence we will decide the way forward. We will announce our proposals, as usual, later this year.