§ Lord Dean of Beswickasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to undertake a review of the Local Government Commission for England.
§ Baroness HaymanWe have today set up a finance, management and policy review of the Local Government Commission for England (LAC), as part of a programme of reviews of non-departmental public bodies.
This review will be conducted in two stages. The first will be a "prior options" study focusing on whether the functions carried out by the LAC are needed and, if so, whether those functions are best undertaken by the LAC or some other body. Subject to the outcome of this first stage, the second stage will consist of a more detailed review of the LAC's structure, funding, financial management and methods of operation.
We have appointed Robert Hazell, Director of the Constitution Unit in the School of Public Policy at University College London, to undertake the prior options study. To oversee the review, we are establishing an Advisory Group, on which we are inviting representatives from the Local Government Association; departmental officials and the chairman and chief executive of the LGC will also serve on the group.
In carrying out the study, it is intended that Mr. Hazell will consult a wide range of interested parties and would welcome written representations from anyone who has views on the commission and its work.