§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether regional chambers are required to produce performance indicators for central Government; [184978]
(2) to what public service agreements and targets set by central Government regional chambers are subject; [184979]
(3) what offices outside the United Kingdom are maintained by regional chambers; and what the cost of maintaining each one was in the last financial year for which figures are available. [184983]
§ Mr. RaynsfordRegional chambers are voluntary, independent bodies that have certain designated functions for which they receive Government grant support. They also receive funding from other sources, including the local authorities within their regions. As part of the condition for Government grant the chambers must produce an annual business plan. These set out their objectives and proposed outcomes relating to their responsibilities for scrutiny of the Regional Development Agencies, as the Regional Planning Body, advocacy of their region and the development of their strategic regional role. The business plans are submitted to the Government before funding agreements are issued to chambers for the relevant financial year.
The chambers claim grant on a periodic basis and each claim must be accompanied by a report detailing the activities undertaken and outcomes achieved through the receipt of Government grant in the preceding period. They are not required to report against common performance indicators. Nor do they report performance against any public service agreements or targets.
Each chamber makes a contribution with regional partners, including the regional development agency and regional local government association, towards an office outside the United Kingdom. Details of the cost incurred by each chamber are:
567W
Chamber Location of Office or Representation Cost of Maintenance (£) Explanation of Cost source of Funding West Midlands Brussels 6,051.00 Contribution to maintenance of joint office ODPM funding Yorkshire and the Humber Brussels 250,000.00 Contribution to maintenance of joint office Non-ODPM funding 12004–05.