Moore announces spending cuts
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• Amounts for public transport spending in 1987/88 in the former metropolitan county areas have been announced by Transport Secretary John Moore in answer to a Parliamentary question and all represent a significant reduction on current levels of spending.
His determinations are as follows (1986/87 figures): Greater Manchester 274.1m (283.3m). Merseyside 267.7m (281.3m), South Yorkshire 245.7m (259.3m), Tyne and Wear 256.6m (263.9m), West Midlands 255.1m (258.1m), West Yorkshire 257.9m (261.3m).
Under section 3(4) of the Rates Act 1984 any authority may apply for a redetermination of its expenditure level at a greater amount. The Passenger Transport Authorities have to submit applications by October 15. While Moore has said he will consider any representations on information provided his comments suggest he does not see a need to spend as much as is being spent as present in the new deregulated environment.
Commenting on the proposals Moore says: "Even after last year's precept control exercise some ratepayers were left with heavy burdens as a result of the extravagant policies of the former metro politan county councils. In this second year of precept control I hope to build on the useful progress made last year and further redress the balance between public transport users and ratepayers.
"I believe that the expenditure levels I have announced provide an appropriate level of expenditure for each authority taking into account their individual circumstances."
He continued: "I am very conscious of the needs of the elderly or disabled members of the conununity so these expenditure levels are intended to afford the PTAs the scope to continue existing concessionary fares schemes if they wish".