§ Mr. SalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has in relation to compulsory competitive tendering for District Council services in Northern Ireland. [5132]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe existing legislation in Northern Ireland provides for the introduction of Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT) to certain specified District Council services over a period of time. All but two of these services have already been subjected to CCT; the two remaining services are the Management of Sports and Leisure Facilities and Construction and Maintenance. These were due to be exposed to competition by 1 April 1998. However, in view of the Government's manifesto commitment on CCT, and plans to introduce a "best value" regime, I have decided to extend the existing timetable to 1 November 1998.
This will allow time to take on board any proposals to modify the current CCT regime and to see how the proposals for a best value regime shape up in Great Britain. I am closely monitoring developments in this area 320W in Great Britain with a view to extending the "best value" regime to District Council services in Northern Ireland as soon as practicable.
In the meantime, the existing CCT legislation will continue to govern District Council services. Consequently, in the case of those services which have already been the subject of CCT, Councils will be required to continue to produce annual reports and to meet the financial objectives specified under the legislation and the DOE(NI) will also continue to monitor Councils' performance until the existing contracts end.