§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the costs to local government of administration of the best value system. [98405]
§ Mr. RaynsfordNo reliable estimates exist of the costs incurred by local government of administering best value. Any such costs would have to be set against the benefits of improved services. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has commissioned Cardiff Business School to evaluate the long-term impact of best value in English local authorities from 2001 until 2005. The320W the Deputy Prime Minister is working with my hon. Friend to try to ensure that fair and workable measures get on to the statute book.