§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimates he has made of the savings which will accrue in each of the next three years arising out of the creation of unitary authorities; and if he will itemise the specific areas where he expects these savings to accrue.
§ Mr. RedwoodParagraph 6.8 of "Local Government in Wales: A Charter for the Future", Cm 2155, made it clear that financial savings were possible as a result of the reorganisation but that the exact level would depend on decisions taken by the new authorities after their election.
I do not expect any savings in 1995–96. I informed the House on 14 December, Official Report, columns 925–40, of the funding for transitional costs which I propose to make available, and offered to provide further money for compensation costs to facilitate changes where authorities decide that they want to make major administrative savings at the point of reorganisation.
I have not made any estimates in respect of 1996–97 or 1997–98 and is too early to do so. I would expect savings to result from such things as the reduction in the number of councillors and in the number of chief executives, treasurers and other posts in central administrative departments.
1001WLocal government and the public will also benefit from non-financial improvement which result from the reorganisation, such as improved co-ordination of services and greater accountability.