Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will publish further papers in the series "Modernising Local Government in Wales"; and if he will make a statement. [40330]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI have today published three further papers in this series. The paper "Improving local services through best value" takes forward the Government's commitment to introduce a comprehensive regime to ensure continuous improvement in the performance of local services. Best value will also provide a much greater opportunity for local people to comment on how local services should be delivered in their areas. Best value will cover all local services and will, in due course, replace the existing compulsory competitive legislation which applies to only some local services.
108WThe paper "Improving local accountability for council tax" sets out proposals for strengthening local accountability for levels of council tax and reducing central government's involvement in decisions on council tax levels.
The paper "Business rates" sets out the arguments for introducing some local discretion over the business rates in the context of a strong and effective relationship between local councils and business.
The papers are closely linked because the duty to secure best value in service delivery is a key measure in the effort to increase local accountability for financial issues. We look forward to receiving comments on all these proposals.
Responses to the consultation exercise will be drawn on to prepare a White Paper on Local Government in Wales, which will be published in the summer.