Oral Answers to Questions

Claire Perry Excerpts

Thursday 10th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Robert Neill]

I am conscious of the sensitivities involved in Sunderland Point and the areas to which my hon. Friend refers. Predominantly, the works there are dealt with by the Environment Agency, but Lancashire county council would stand ready to assist as far as it can.

[Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con)]

21. What his policy is on changes to the funding formula for local authorities.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill)]

As my hon. Friend will know, and as I said in relation to an earlier question, this is the third and final year of a settlement. Yes, we will be consulting in relation to future funding arrangements, and that certainly includes a willingness to consider any options that may be put forward.

[Claire Perry]

Will the Minister confirm that the plans we set out in our manifesto to make the funding formula more transparent—[Interruption.] Excuse me—I would like Opposition Members to listen. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Lady is entitled to be heard, and I want to hear her.

[Claire Perry]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will start again.

Will the Minister confirm that the plans to make the funding formula more transparent and independently audited are still intact? That is a matter of great concern in my constituency of Devizes and all the Wiltshire constituencies, because we receive the lowest amount of funding from central Government of any unitary authority.

[Robert Neill]

I can confirm that the Government remain committed to a review, and we are more than happy to examine the points that are raised.