§ 71. Mr. Simon Coombsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for improving the efficiency of operation of local government.
§ Mr. ChopeEffectiveness, efficiency and economy of operation in local government are the responsibility of the locally elected councillors. The proposals now before the House to widen competitive tendering will improve value for money in the delivery of local government services. Our proposals on paying for local government will immensely strengthen the direct accountability of local authorities to their electorates for the efficiency of the services they provide.