§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for improving the(a) status and (b) performance of the Accounts Commission; and if he will make a statement. [50868]
§ Mr. MacdonaldOur Manifesto commitment confirms that we are willing to consider extra powers for the Accounts Commission, within Best Value, to monitor local authority performance and promote efficiency. The Scottish Office is currently undertaking the quinquennial Policy and Financial Management Review of the Accounts Commission. This will examine how well the Commission is working, provide reassurance that it is producing the required outputs at an appropriate price and identify any areas for corrective action.