Hansard

Written Answers

Volume 389: debated on Wednesday 8 March 1978

Download text
Back to top
The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

Written Answers

Rate Support Grant In Scotland

The Earl of SELKIRK

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  • (i) what is the current rate amount of the rate support grant to local authorities in Scotland;
  • (ii) what are the purposes and amount of this grant which is specifically earmarked; and
  • (iii) which of these services carried out by local authorities will be devolved and which reserved under the Scotland Bill.

    • The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE
    (Lord Kirkhill)

    Rate support grant is paid in aid of local authority revenue and is not earmarked to specific services. For 1977–78 total rate support grant in Scotland amounts to £932·9 million, which together with grants towards the cost of specific services estimated at £73·3 million represents 68½ per cent. of estimated relevant expenditure by authorities for that year. The following table lists specific grants payable on individual services, distinguishing between reserved and devolved services:

    Reserved Services£ million
    Police54·2
    Civil Defence0·2
    Sheltered Workshops0·9
    55·3
    Devolved Services
    List D Schools0·5
    Urban Programme2·9
    Urban Redevelopment4·0
    Housing improvement8·3
    Clean Air0·2
    Sewerage0·8
    Open Space0·7
    Countryside
    Port Health
    War Work Removal
    Town Development0·6
    18·0
    73·3

    Wasteland In Urban Areas

    Lord DUNCAN-SANDYS

    asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will ask all local authorities to survey wasteland in urban areas and endeavour to secure that this is put to some positive use.

    Baroness BIRK

    The Government's aim is to concentrate efforts on gathering information which can lead to action where it is most urgent—in the inner city partnerships and the programme authorities.The partnerships, and the main nationalised industries and statutory undertakers concerned, are being approached about prospects for early development or short term uses of idle land. The intention is to follow this up with the programme authorities.House adjourned at one minute before nine o'clock.