Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 July 2004. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 July 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how much public money he estimates was spent in paying councillors a remuneration in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 1997-98.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much public money he estimates was spent in paying councillors a remuneration in (a) 2003-04 and (b) 1997-98. [182441] Mr. Raynsford: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The setting of local allowance levels is a matter for local authorities, taking account of local circumstances and the views of an independent remuneration panel.

Secondary information