§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the methods used to monitor direct labour organisations and the publication of comparability studies showing performance indicators of efficiency, effectiveness, employment and value for money in respect of each local authority.
§ Mr. Robin SquireLocal authorities carrying out work within an activity defined under the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 or the Local Government Act 1988 are required to keep accounts and to meet a financial objective set by my right hon. and learned Friend. They are also required to submit annual reports on these matters to my right hon. and learned Friend who considers in each case whether there are grounds for exercising his sanction powers. The introduction of local government performance indicators is a key feature in this Government's determination to raise the standard of public services. I believe that the methods adopted by the Audit Commission will enable the citizen to judge the performance of their local council in comparison with those of a similar background.