§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he is willing to give to Devon county councillors before they decide on their projected budget for 1990–91; and what is his assessment of the opportunity for them to make a change in their budget.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIn setting their budget the councillors should take a hard look at the services the county council provides, and make sure that they are satisfied that charge payers will be getting full value for money. They should consider whether they can justify the proposed expenditure on each of these services to their charge payers, and look into the scope for contracting services out where this would be more efficient. The key point that they should bear in mind is that £1 saved is £1 off the community charge.