§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the context of the Local Government Commission's review of the structure of local government in the shire counties, county councils will be expected to take account of the views of possible successor authorities concerning waste disposal strategy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsWaste disposal activities frequently involve long-term considerations, particularly where the creation of new facilities for waste disposal is concerned, and as a consequence the waste disposal contracts entered into by some authorities may run for up to 20 years or more. I am therefore keen that thorough consultation and co-operation between counties and districts is seen to be important in its own right. This is particularly important in view of the current review of local government structure in the counties. The local authority associations have issued guidance—"A Code of Practice on a Prudential Approach to Financial Management prior to Local Government Re-organisation"—which draws attention to the need for successor authorities to be consulted before decisions are taken which will involve successor authorities in a 111W significant financial commitment. The Audit Commission's consultative paper "Time for Change?" also addresses these issues. It is particularly important that a county council that wishes to pursue a waste disposal strategy which will necessarily involve a long-term contract should seek to involve possible successor authorities in early discussion of the options and ways forward, with the aim of obtaining support for that strategy from all the authorities concerned. I believe that it is in the interests of all if a common view can be achieved on the selection of the best waste disposal options for the future.