HC Deb 16 January 1998 vol 304 c332W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what respect the implementation of the best value regime is intended to lead to more responsibility being devolved to local authorities in Northern Ireland. [22777]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The question of greater responsibilities for local authorities will be a matter for consideration as part of the current political talks process. The introduction of a Best Value regime for District Council services in Northern Ireland will encourage greater local accountability by giving District Councils greater flexibility in determining how best to achieve increased efficiency and improve quality of service. To ensure that local government is involved in developing Best Value proposals, a Consultation Paper was published on 10 December 1997 with a closing date of 5 February 1998. A copy of the Paper has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the estimated costs to local government authorities during each of the next five years of the transition from compulsory competitive tendering to best value; and if she will make a statement. [22776]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The Government are currently in the process of consulting all interested parties on their proposals for a Best Value regime for District Council services in Northern Ireland. It will be a matter for each District Council to decide how to respond to the challenge of Best Value, and so it is not possible to estimate future costs at present.