To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether high performing local authorities granted new freedom and autonomy by the Government and who bid successfully for ring fenced, specific grants are able to spend them on what they wish. [112975]

As part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's commitment to give greater freedom to high performing authorities, it has unfenced the following revenue ring-fenced specific grants for excellent authorities, for which authorities bid.

• Rural Bus Challenge Fund
• Waste Recycling Challenge Fund
• Playing for Success

There are no conditions attached to the use of these grants. In addition, Parliamentary approval will be sought shortly to pay the part of the Training Support Programme grant which is bid for unfenced.On capital, Contaminated Land Grant, Air Quality Grant, Local Government Online and Local PSA bid based grants have been unfenced for all authorities. All other capital expenditure is unfenced for excellent and good authorities, including bid-based grants except for:Personal Social Services (Children Services Grant) which runs for two years onlyFlood defence and coastal protection and the following grants which are paid in respect of expenditure previously incurred: