§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government will consider the likely net revenues of the Mayor of London's proposed congestion charging scheme against the opportunity cost of the scheme when assessing whether the spending plan represents value for money. [33741]
§ Ms KeebleIt is the Mayor of London's responsibility to consider the costs and benefits of the proposed congestion charging scheme before deciding whether or not to confirm the scheme order.
My right hon. Friend will have regard to the relevant statutory requirements in deciding whether to approve the spending plan.
§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what criteria he will use when assessing whether the Mayor of London's plan for spending congestion charging revenues represents value for money. [33742]
§ Ms KeebleMy right hon. Friend will consider the final version of the spending plan when he receives it in the light of the statutory requirements. Paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 23 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 provides that the net proceeds of a charging scheme shall be available for "relevant transport purposes". These purposes are defined by paragraph 1 as any purpose which directly or indirectly facilitates the implementation of any policies or proposals set out in the Mayor's transport strategy. And paragraph 16(5) provides that the net proceeds of charging schemes may only be applied for purposes which provide value for money. My right hon. Friend will wish to satisfy himself that the spending plan is consistent with the Mayor's transport strategy which he has considered at an earlier stage.