§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what savings are forecast from the proposed reduction in the number of administrative units for valuation tribunals. [49470]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe estimate that over a three to five year period the move to the new administrative structure should give net savings on current complements of around £1.3 million per annum or 12 per cent. of the VT budget for a one-off cost (spread over several years and financed out of savings) of around £2 million.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what savings were(a) projected and (b) achieved from the previous amalgamation of the administration of neighbouring valuation tribunals. [49471]
§ Mr. RaynsfordFour office mergers have taken place in recent years (as well as a collocation of two administrations earlier this year). Full savings can take a few years to come through because of initial one-off accommodation and staffing costs.
It is difficult to quantify precisely savings due solely to rationalisation, because of changes in other circumstances. However, a comparison of the changes in costs of merged and non-merged offices between 1995–96 and 1997–98 indicate savings of over £240,000 (or 17 per cent.) per annum. This compares with projected savings of £220,000.