§ 25. Mrs. Gillian ShephardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he proposes to introduce greater efficiency into the provision of local authority services.
§ Mr. GummerWe have introduced a number of measures to secure greater efficiency into the provision of local authority services. The Audit Commission we established is responsible for reviewing value for money in local government. Local authorities are being required to put seven services out to competitive tender, and the community charge and our proposals for the new capital finance system and ring fenced housing revenue account will lead to greater accountability and increased efficiency in the provision of services.