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Local Authorities (Block Grants)

Volume 416: debated on Thursday 12 April 1945

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6.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the amount of the extra supplementation of grant payable to the Burgh of Motherwell and Wishaw under the new formula; the amount which would have been payable under the formula used in calculating the block grant; the amount payable to the city of Edinburgh under the new formula; and the amount which would have been payable under the old formula.

As the answer involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the Official Report.

Following is the answer:

The amount of the new money proposed to be paid under the Bill to Edinburgh and to Motherwell and Wishaw is:

1945–46.1946–47.1947–48.
£££
Edinburgh1146,465118,111175,757
Motherwell and Wishaw.15,42716,97018,512

If the whole of the new money were distributed on the basis of the weighted population used for the distribution of the present block grant, the figures would be:

1945–46.1946–47.1947–48.
£££
Edinburgh66,47572,02278,569
Motherwell and Wishaw. 22,92825,22127,514

The weighted population used for the distribution of part of the existing grant was calculated by reference to the circumstances of the year 1935–36; and, as it is heavily weighted for unemployment, it is now somewhat out of date in respect of industrial areas. The basis of distribution of the new money is generally in accordance with the views of the Associations of Local Authorities concerned.