§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what(a) guidance and (b) resources he is giving to local authorities in respect of the implementation of the Noise Act 1996; and if he will make a statement. [12975]
§ Mr. ClappisonMy Department will be issuing a circular to local authorities to give guidance on the implementation of the Noise Act 1996.
We have estimated that the overall additional cost to local authorities in England to enforce the night noise offence would be in the region of £1 million in 1997–98, rising to £3 million in 1999–2000. This assumes a gradual rate of adoption and takes account of the extent of out of hours noise services currently being provided. This was taken into account in the 1997–98 local government finance settlement and in the baselines for future settlements.