§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current estimate of the cost of establishing unitary authorities in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RedwoodThe measures in the Local Government (Wales) Bill will result in transitional costs estimated on the basis of a report prepared by consultants to be between £65 million and £150 million over 15 years. The level of these costs will depend on decisions to be taken by the new councils on such matters as staffing levels and management structures. I intend to encourage tight control of costs and believe the consultants' higher figures would be reached only if councils decide to make a large number of existing employees redundant, leading to substantial subsequent revenue savings.