HC Deb 01 May 2002 vol 384 c810W
Virginia Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he will take to ensure that the new finance system for local authorities provides an effective framework within which councils can initiate new and innovative ways of delivering customer-focused services and lead their communities. [53639]

Mr. Raynsford

Our comprehensive agenda for reform of the local government finance system was set out in last December's White Paper "Strong Local leadership—Quality Public Services". Our finance reforms will give councils more space to innovate and respond in ways that are appropriate to local circumstances by providing local authorities with greater freedom to borrow, invest, trade, charge and set spending priorities. Our White Paper implementation plan is available on the DTLR website at http://www.dtlr.gov.uk/local-regions/sll/implement/plan/ index.htm.

Virginia Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what total external support is received in 2002–03 by(a) local authorities covering the Waverley area and (b) the unitary authority of Bracknell. [53519]

Mr. Raynsford

Local authorities have reported the following information.