To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has that fire authorities with a coastline incur extra costs from the coastline factor. [37036]

The measure of coastline was introduced into the fire SSA formula in 1995–96 to reflect additional costs that authorities with coastline face compared with inland authorities. Authorities situated on the coast have less scope than inland authorities for drawing reinforcements from neighbouring brigades and therefore need greater self-sufficiency to provide the same standard of service as other local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from fire services adversely affected by the inclusion of the coastline indicator in the standard spending assessment calculation for fire services. [37035]

During consultation on the 1995–96 local government finance settlement, the Secretary of State for the Environment received two representations from local authorities concerning the use of a coastline factor in the fire standard spending assessment. Other representations have been received subsequently.