§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the inclusion of environmental criteria in consideration of best value. [40866]
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§ Ms ArmstrongThe closing date for responses on the Best Value Consultation Paper was 1 May. The responses are still being analysed although it is clear that a number of authorities have made representations about the importance of environmental matters in Best Value. Our conclusions will be published in a White Paper later this year. Although the Government will lay down the general framework for Best Value, it will be for local authorities to decide how to include environmental criteria in the consideration of Best Value, in consultation with the local community and against the background of progress in drawing up Local Agenda 21 strategies.