§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidelines he has issued to local authorities(a) on dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant and (b) on budgeting for the costs of remedying computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24704]
§ Mr. RaynsfordLocal authorities are responsible for their own systems and have access to high quality advice on this issue from the Local Government Management Board, the professional body of local government IT officers (SOCTIM) and other professional bodies. My officials have also kept the Local Government Association (LGA) informed on the steps being taken by central government. In addition, the Government have published best practice guidance on millennium compliance. The LGA's views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate for each local authority of the costs of dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24702]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the possible level of pressures local authorities might face in preparing for millennium computer compliance. Their estimate of £500 million, with spending of at least £100 million required for 1998–99, was based on the overall cost to local authorities. The LGA's 13W views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.