Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance his Department gives to local authorities on the advertising of their performance indicators; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryMy Department gives no such guidance. Within the statutory framework including directions issued by the Audit Commission under section 1 of the Local Government Act 1992, the publication of performance indicator information is a matter for individual local authorities. To assist authorities, the Audit Commission has published this year guidance in its booklet "Read All About It".
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the costs to local government of the publishing of performance indicators in newspapers.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesAs was said at the time that the legislation requiring the publication of performance indicators was sought, the publication is not expected to cause any significant increase in costs to local authorities, and any initial costs incurred by them are likely to be offset by longer-term efficiency savings arising due to performance indicators.