§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what sums she makes available to provide for street cleaners; and what measures she can take if a local authority fails to keep its area clean for the public. [77008]
§ Alun MichaelA number of large mainstream budgets directly affect the safety and cleanliness of local neighbourhoods. Additional investment in real terms for these areas was announced in Spending Review 2002 covering the years 2003–06. General revenue grant to local authorities is up by an average of 3.9 per cent a year after inflation. The Government's general revenue provision for most aspects of public space, including 925W provision for street cleaners, is allocated via the Environment, Protective and Cultural Services grant block, which is up 1.3 per cent. after inflation. A litter abatement order may be applied for if a local authority does not carry out its statutory duty to keep its land free of litter and debris, so far is practicable. This is done through the Magistrates' Court. If successful in obtaining the order it means that the offending authority must clean the area.