Local Government Reorganisation

HC Deb 03 November 1994 vol 248 cc1261-2W

Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether all contracts entered into by local authorities, before reorganisation in accordance with Local Government Commission recommendations, will be fully honoured following implementation of Local Government Commission proposals; and whether the rights of employees will be fully protected.

Mr. Curry

Contracts of employment will transfer to the successor authority for all staff who transfer by statutory transfer order or under TUPE regulations. Transfer of rights and liabilities concerning contracts and property is currently the subject of consultation by my Department. We are also consulting on the implications of local government reorganisation for compulsory competitive tendering.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost to date of the review of local government in England.

Mr. Curry

The Local Government Commission for England incurred expenditure of £2.056 million in 1992–93 and £5.146 million in 1993–94. We are making available grant in aid of some £8.300 million to the Commission for 1994–95.

We do not have overall figures for the expenditure incurred indirectly by central Government, or directly by local authorities, on the local government review.