HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1203-4W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will revise the exemplifications of each of the options

£million
Area-based Initiative 2000–01 Carried paforward 2001–02 Carried forward
Coalfields 54 16 52 7
Community Chest 0 0 10 3
Community empowerment fund 0 0 12 7
European regional development fund 239 4' 204 89
Neighbourhood management 0 0 6 n/a
Neighbourhood renewal fund 0 0 200 n/a

set out in "Formula Grant Distribution: A Consultation Paper" to take account of the comprehensive spending review decisions. [72907]

Mr. Leslie

We are not intending to revise the exemplifications set out in the consultation paper, because using the spending review figures would introduce a new source of variation between the figures 2002–03 and those produced by the options we have set out. This variation would obscure the consultation's focus on options for the new system.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what the proposed percentage rates are of the floors and ceilings in relation to the transition to the new local government funding methodology set out in "Formula Grant Distribution: A Consultation Paper"; [72904]

(2) what options he is considering for the length of the transition period for the new formula grant distribution system. [72905]

Mr. Leslie

We will take decisions on the movement between the old and new grant distribution systems, including the duration of the transition and the levels of floors and ceilings, ahead of the 2003–04 provisional local government finance settlement. As in previous years, we will announce those decisions around the end of November as part of the provisional settlement process.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate for each London borough the effects of each of the options set out in Chapter 9 of "Formula Grant Distribution: A Consultation Paper". [72906]

Mr. Leslie

The effects on each London Borough of the options contained in Chapter 9 of "Formula Grant Distribution: A Consultation Paper" are set out on page 112 of that document.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will set out illustrative grant charges for Wokingham DC and West Berkshire DC for the current year on the assumption that each of his possible changes to grant distribution was taking effect this year. [72896]

Mr. Raynsford

The question cannot be answered except at disproportionate cost.