HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 c168W
Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average grant entitlement increase awarded to county councils for the forthcoming financial year has been; and what the percentage increase provided for Essex was. [91396]

Mr. Raynsford

The Government's proposals for the funding of local authority revenue expenditure, as set out in the provisional local government finance settlement 2003–04 announced on 5 December 2002, provide for an average formula grant increase for county councils of 5.7per cent. The increase for Essex is 3.7per cent.

Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what average domestic rates were paid to local councils in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what the average amount of rates paid in Essex was in the same period. [91398]

Mr. Leslie

The average council tax in England in 2002–03 for a Band D dwelling (occupied by two or more adults) is £976.

The average council tax in Essex (including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock) in 2002–03 for a Band D dwelling (occupied by two or more adults) is £965.