§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has directed the London Residuary Body to ensure that all ex-Greater London council staff receive their outstanding payments before the end of April; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. TraceyNo. The Residuary Body has to fulfil its statutory duty to validate claims before payments are made. It is, however, aware of the desirability of making payments as early as possible, and is intending to do so.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his current estimate of the total number of ex-Greater London council staff who became redundant on 1 April.
Member Present or former profession (on appointment) Sir Godfrey Taylor Formerly Chairman, Southern Water Authority Mr. Alan Blakemore CBE Formerly Town Clerk and Chief Executive, London Borough of Croydon Mr. Jack Esling Formerly General Manager, Personnel, Thames Water Authority Mr. Wallace Mackenzie OBE Group Managing Director, Slough Estates, plc Mr. Michael Roberts Partner, Deloitte, Haskins and Sells, Chartered Accountants Mr. Jack Wolkind CBE Formerly Chief Executive, London Borough of Tower Hamlets Councillor Peter Bowness Solicitor; Leader of the Council, London borough of Croydon
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when Ministers last met the chairman of the London Residuary Body; and what matters were discussed.
§ Mr. TraceyMy right hon. Friend, and my noble Friend the Minister of State, met the chairman on 24 April to discuss matters relevant to the Residuary Body's functions under the Local Government Act 1985.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish individual salaries or fees, expenses and contractual conditions enjoyed by the current members of the London Residuary Body.
§ Mr. TraceyThe information as to current remuneration is as follows:
Members Remuneration to be paid (per annum) £ Sir Godfrey Taylor (Chairman) 50,000 Alan Blakemore CBE 12,000 Jack Esling 24,000 Wallace Mackenzie OBE 12,000 Jack Wolkind CBE 12,000 Michael Roberts 18,000 Councillor Peter Bowness (Co-ordinating Committee Member) 6,000 Remuneration for the chairman is on a full-time basis; for Mr. Esling on the basis of four days a week; Mr. Roberts three; Messrs Blakemore, Mackenzie and Wolkind two; and Councillor Bowness one. Remuneration is subject to abatement, if applicable, in respect of public sector pensions received. The provisions governing appointments are given in schedule 13 to the Local Government Act 1985. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose individual terms of appointment.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of the number, grades and cost of staff currently employed in his Department on matters connected with the abolition of the Greater London council and the work of the London Residuary Body.
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§ Mr. TraceyIt is still too early to provide such an estimate, but I understand that the London Residuary Body has received some 3,200 claims for redundancy payments or compensation arising from abolition.