§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to what extent the costs to local authorities of implementing the best value regime are allowed for in SSAs. [132440]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe Government added £24.25 million to the 2000–01 SSA totals to cover the cost of Best Value audit and inspection fees. Our spending plans for local government take into account the costs of implementing Best Value, together with the improvements in cost effectiveness that will flow from it.