asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration is given to the views of local people about the settlement level and grants to local authorities when they are delegating more duties and responsibilities to local authorities annually. [HL1188]

The provisional local government finance settlement for 2008-09 was announced on 6 December 2007. The announcement was followed by a consultation period, when local authorities were invited to put their views on the Government's proposals. The consultation on the provisional settlement for 2008-09 closed on 8 January 2008.

All representations received during the consultation period will be fully considered when Ministers come to take final decisions on the settlement.