7 JULY 1928, Page 7

The Ministry of Health has issued an important White Paper

explaining the Local Government reform which is made necessary by the Budget. From April 1st, 1930, the duty of administering the Poor Law will be trans- ferred to County Councils and County Boroughs. The Councils will also become responsible for the maintenance of all rural roads. The financial charges for maintaining roads of Class I. and Class II. in boroughs and urban districts outside boroughs will be transferred to the Counties. Boroughs and Urban District Councils will maintain other roads in their areas—mostly residential streets. County Boroughs and Metropolitan Boroughs will remain responsible for the roads in their areas. The present percentage grant to local authorities will be replaced by an annual block grant fixed for a period of five years. This new grant, which, as will be seen, is subject to periodical revision, ought not to be such an incentive to extravagance as the percentage grant.