§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the rights of appeal for local people who consider that their ideas of best value are being ignored by their local authority. [103027]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe Local Government Act 1999 places best value authorities under a statutory duty to consult with local people as to how the duty of best value can be met after 1 April 2000. This is reinforced by a requirement to consult with business and other interests in considering alternative ways of providing services.
There is no explicit right of appeal, as the Government take the view that where there are conflicting views it is for best-value authorities to judge how the duty is to be met in the light of all the relevant circumstances. They will be expected to provide a clear rationale for the decisions which they reach, and to justify these to local people every year in their Best Value Performance Plans and to independent auditors and inspectors acting on behalf of local people. All local authorities are ultimately accountable to local people through the ballot box.
§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to local authorities about determining best value in relation to letting contracts for services. [102996]
§ Ms Beverley HughesGuidance to best-value authorities was published by my Department on 14 December (DETR Circular 10/99). This makes clear that authorities should establish a clear policy on the evaluation and assessment of alternative ways of delivering high-quality services at acceptable costs.