§ Harry CohenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister which London local authorities will not have a real terms grant increase this year based on inflation, wage commitments and net nursing care and health transfers applicable to those local authorities; how much the shortfall is in each case in(a) percentage and (b) cash terms; and what percentage that represents of each of those local authorities' average Band D council tax. [91873]
§ Mr. LeslieAll London authorities received a like-for-like increase in grant of at least 3.5 per cent. in the provisional settlement, considerably above the latest increase in the retail price indices. This increase fully reflects-at national level-the transfers of function and new burdens, including those for social services.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to review the revenue supply grant settlement for South Somerset District Council for 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [92296]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe consultation on the 2003–04 provisional local government finance settlement closed on 14 January. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering the representations that were made during the consultation period, including those on behalf of South Somerset District Council. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will announce the settlement to Parliament at the beginning of February.