HC Deb 30 March 1994 vol 240 cc853-4W
Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library all submissions and other comments made to him on the most workable formula for the discharge, through joint working, of strategic functions and planning by new or proposed

Mr. Baldry

We have received a large number of representations on the general issue of joint working, including those received in response to our 1992 consultation exercise on the policy guidance to the Local Government Commission. These could not be assembled except at disproportionate cost. We have said, however, that when we lay implementation orders for each area where the Local Government Commission recommends change to the structure of local government, we will place

Women 1Ethnic minority 1Disabled
Total staff Men Number Per cent. Number Per cent. Number Per cent.
Grade 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Grade 2 7 4 3 43.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Grade 3 34 30 4 12.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Grade 4 7 7 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0
Grade 5 140 119 21 15.0 1 0.7 1 0.7
Grade 6 322 293 29 9.0 1 0.3 0 0.0
Grade 7 788 654 134 17.0 11 1.4 7 0.9

in the Library a summary of all representations received by the Secretary of State about the recommendations. Individual representations will be made available if requested unless the writers intended their views to be treated in confidence.

Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those people and organisations he has consulted as to the most workable formula for the discharge, through joint working, of strategic functions and planning by new or proposed unitary authorities.

Mr. Baldry

It is for the Local Government Commission to consider, for each area that it reviews, whether or not joint working between any proposed unitary authorities is necessary for particular functions. A list of those persons and organisations whom the Commission is required to consult on its draft recommendations is included in our procedure guidance to the Commission, a copy of which is in the Library.

Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the strategic functions on which he has consulted as to their discharge, through joint working, by new or proposed unitary authorities.

Mr. Baldry

Annex B of the Department's policy guidance to the Local Government Commission sets out considerations relevant to structural change for a range of local government functions. That guidance, which was issued after an extensive consultation process, draws attention to options for joint working, particularly in relation to strategic planning. A copy of the guidance is in the Library.

Forward to