Local Government Finance Bill

No, I do not intend to give way. The Opposition proposal would simply recreate formula grant through the back door. In relation to the period between resets, the hon. Member for Warrington North needs to start reading things a little more carefully. She claimed that a majority favoured three years and quoted a figure of 23%. That is incorrect in relation to three years. Let me tell her what the response said: the three-year period that the Opposition proposed as their preferred reset period was supported by exactly 10% of respondents. A 10-year reset period was supported by 23%, and a period between five and 10 years had the support of in excess of 70%. If the Opposition cannot get their basic maths right, we will not have much faith in any amendments that they table on local government finance. Their rather specious argument falls, at the very least on grounds of thorough inaccuracy. Of course it is important to ensure that we get a proper balance of need and resource at the beginning of the system, and we will do that. At the reset periods—we will discuss with the local government sector the appropriate— Debate interrupted (Programme Order, 10 January). The Chair put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83D), That the clause be read a Second time. Question put and negatived. The Chair then put forthwith the Question necessary for disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83D).