asked the Minister for the Environment the plans he has to assist county councils who are facing increasing debts and who are now being forced to lay off employees.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Finances.
249.
Since taking office, the Government have taken a number of steps to improve the position of local authorities. These included £31.5 million extra towards rates support grants, a new freedom to strike whatever rate increases local authorities considered necessary, and legislation conferring new powers in relation to charges for services. Local authorities cannot be shielded entirely from the effects of the economic difficulties but I am sure that they are in a much better position as a result of these measures to address those difficulties and to maintain employment and services at better levels than would otherwise have been the case.