John McDonnell
John Redwood in HoC on how money is distributed to local authorities
Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham): Can we have an early debate on theGovernment's ideas about changing the way in which money is distributed tolocal authorities? It appears that they are currently considering threeproposals that will result in substantial reductions in the amount goingtocouncils such as the Wokingham unitary. We find that very difficult toreconcile with their statements about there being more money for schoolsandsocial care. Can we have a proper debate about what the Government areproposing, so my right hon. and hon. Friends and I can have theopportunityto represent our councils and constituencies, which may suffer a lot as aresult of the proposals? We are quite happy to stay on for another coupleofdays to finish the job.
Mr. Cook: I am not entirely sure that the right hon. Gentleman understoodwhat I said in announcing the business for the week after the recess, as Iannounced that that issue would be a matter for debate on the very firstdaywhen we return to the House. In the meantime, I remind him that theGovernment have published options. We have expressed no preference asregards those options, which are out for consultation; and as a result ofthe representation that I received last Thursday, the House will have afullopportunity to debate them as soon as we return. I would have thought thatthat would be welcome to the House.
