§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the source is of the traffic figures used in calculating highway standard spending assessment; and what action he takes if they are disputed by the local authority concerned. [98723]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe traffic figures used in calculating the highway maintenance standard spending assessment are those that are provided by Highway Authorities or contractors on behalf of the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions. Highway Authorities may sub-contract the work. The traffic figures proposed for use in the 2000–01 local government finance settlement are based on data relating to 1998 and earlier years. For Cambridgeshire in 1998 and earlier years, the County Council was contracted by the Department to provide the traffic figures.
All matters where authorities dispute the figures that are proposed for use in the calculation of standard spending assessments are investigated and the findings taken into account when final decisions are taken on the local government settlement. Authorities are advised of the relevant deadlines for making representations and the circumstances in which changes are usually made.