Orders of the Day — Rate Support Grants Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 8:42 pm on 31 October 1988.

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Photo of Mr Martin Brandon-Bravo Mr Martin Brandon-Bravo , Nottingham South 8:42, 31 October 1988

That may be the hon. Gentleman's view. I acknowledge that a local authority has a duty to provide services and care. In most cases, services and caring can be provided by the private sector, with the local authority acting as both the enabling authority and the mechanism whereby it can ensure that in the public interest its services are properly provided. I hope that the Bill will reduce the patronage and control that local authorities have exercised over many people's lives. If that is the result of this interim Bill and of the Bill relating to the community charge, I shall be a very happy man.