Local Government Reorganisation

HC Deb 10 March 1997 vol 292 cc71-2W

Mr. Norman Hogg

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total costs to his Department of local government reorganisation in Scotland in each year since 1992. [19156]

Mr. Kynoch

The Scottish Office made additional financial provision available to councils in connection with local government reform as set out in the table.

	£ million
	Scottish Office provision
1995–96
Costs of shadow elections	5
Costs of shadow councils	36
Capital allocations	15
1996–97
Transitional costs	70
1997–98
Transitional costs	20
Total	146

In addition, a division within the Scottish Office dedicated to local government reform existed from 1992–95 at a total aggregate cost of £853,099. It is now up to councils to manage their business efficiently so that local government reform delivers the best possible long-term savings for the benefit of the people of Scotland.