§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the total cost of producing annual reports to local authorities; and how much manpower is involved in this work.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe information requested by the hon. Gentleman is not available in my Department and could not be readily obtained except at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the publication of annual reports by local authorities; and what representations have been made to him by local authorities on this matter.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Government attach great importance to public reporting by local authorities as a means of informing electors, ratepayers and other interested groups about the affairs of their authorities. The way in which information is reported must take account of the needs of the public and should enable them to make informed judgments about the performance of authorities, either individually or in comparison with others. Part II of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 provides for the preparation of codes of practice on the publication of information by local authorities; that dealing with annual reports was published in February 1981. Of the authorities which have decided not to publish annual reports, only Wychavon district council has made written representations against publication.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities published their annual report (a) as a newspaper supplement, (b) as a glossy special production and (c) in any other format; and how many local authorities did not publish an annual report.
§ Mr. WaldegraveOf the 335 annual reports for 1982–83 received by my Department up to 30 April, 11 have been published as newspapers or newspaper supplements. The information requested about other methods of production is not readily available. The Department is aware so far of only four authorities which do not intend to publish a report.