Single-tier Local Government (Hansard, 16 February 1994)

§ 16. Mr. Hall
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the estimates of potential savings as a result of the creation of single-tier local government in England.

§ Mr. Baldry
The capacity for savings across England will depend on the action of the councils established by Parliament following the recommendations of the Local Government Commission.

§ Mr. Hall
Does the Minister agree that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that shire counties' estimates of the transitional costs of the local government review are grossly exaggerated? Does he agree that they have also grossly exaggerated the pay-back period of those transitional costs and that there are real savings to be made in the local government review? Therefore, the shire counties' claim that the review will mean £100 on people's council taxes is erroneous. Does the Minister also agree that unitary authorities offer great scope for local government, particularly in Halton and Warrington borough councils which I represent?

§ Mr. Baldry
In local government reorganisation, we must look at the opportunities that that reorganisation presents to find ways in which services can be better delivered for the benefit of local people. I have absolutely no doubt that, up and down the country, people of all political complexions are coming together to find just that. We need to treat with suspicion some of the estimates of the costs of reorganisation presented by way of special pleading from particular groups from wherever they come. However, I hope that everyone considering the reorganisation of local government will consider ways in which long-term savings can be made as a consequence of reorganisation.

§ Mr. Madden
On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

§ Madam Speaker
No, I have a statement. I call Mr. Robin Cook to ask his private notice question.