Local Government Finance

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:50 pm on 2 February 2005.

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Photo of Nick Raynsford Nick Raynsford Minister of State (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) (Local and Regional Government) 4:50, 2 February 2005

The hon. Lady makes a fair point. From time to time problems do occur in the highly complex process of local government settlements. This problem was drawn to my attention fairly recently, but when similar problems have been identified in the past I have agreed to amending reports. Indeed, this year we have made an amending report in respect of a number of mistakes in the census calculation for a number of authorities.

I need to understand the figures better. As I said, I have not had a chance to look at the details because the matter has only just been drawn to my attention. We have a de minimis rule that is obviously necessary for good administration, but if the figures show a significant difference that affects the authority adversely, I shall be more than happy to put it right with an amending report.