To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Peterborough of 12 May 2009, Official Report, column 659W, on equality: regulation, what additional funding has been given to local authorities under the new burdens doctrine in relation to equality and diversity. (295896)

The Government are committed to ensuring that all new burdens falling on local authorities, whether from equality and diversity policies or any other, are fully and properly funded so that there is no upward pressure on council tax bills. Where appropriate, funding is provided through the formula grant system or through specific grants.