Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make local authorities publish performance indicators; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Local Government Auditor will issue a consultation paper to all district councils in February 1993 setting out proposals for the introduction and use of performance indicators. Once decisions have been taken on the indicators to be used, councils—in common with local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland—will be required to publish the results. It is anticipated that publication of the first results will relate to the financial year 1993–94.
I am convinced that the publication of such information will benefit councils and ratepayers alike. Councils will set standards and targets to he achieved and ratepayers will be able to assess the performance not just of their own council but also how it compares with other councils.