§ 12. Norman BakerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the local government settlement for councils in east Sussex. [100661]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordI refer the hon. Member to the debate on the local government finance settlement 2003–04 which took place on 5 February 2003,Official Report, columns 353–406 and to the letter sent to the hon. Member on 3 February setting out the above-inflation grant increases for all councils in east Sussex.
§ 13. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from south eastern local authorities regarding the local government funding settlement. [100662]
§ Mr. Raynsford28 authorities in the south east responded to our consultation on the local government finance settlement 2003–04. In addition, eight authorities from this region came in to see Ministers to make representations on our proposals during this consultation period. Parliament has, of course, now approved the settlement which provides an increase in Government grant of £3.8 billion overall. This is an increase of 8 per cent. representing a continued significant real terms investment in local government.