§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Quinquennial Review of the Insolvency Service will take place; and what the terms of reference for the review will be. [122715]
§ Mr. ByersI am launching the Quinquennial Review of the Insolvency Service today.
The Government are committed to achieving better public services that are of higher quality and are more responsive to the needs of the people who use them. The services and functions provided by the Executive Agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are at the heart of this programme of continuous improvement and their effective delivery is a key element in the success of Modernising Government. Regular Agency and NDPB reviews are an important element in ensuring that we have in place the right structures to deliver the Government's agenda effectively and to provide a strong focus on improving their future performance.
The terms of reference for the review of the Insolvency Service are:
To consider and to make recommendations regarding:First, the organisational status which would be most appropriate for the policy, work and operation of the Insolvency Service in the future, taking into account its contribution to the objectives of the Department and of the Government as a whole, including the Modernising Government agenda, developments in 80W the national and international legislative, regulatory and commercial environment, and the views of customers, staff, consumers and other interested parties; andSecond, whether any changes should be made to the way in which the Insolvency Service operates, including its aims and objectives, targets and financial controls; the scope of the activities undertaken; and whether its activities could be done more effectively.The review is to be undertaken in accordance with the latest Cabinet Office guidance, published in January 2000.The review will be led by Pamela Denham, a former official in the Department of Trade and Industry, with support from officials and specialist advice as appropriate. The Review Team will report to a Steering Group which will include two independent members (Gill Hankey and Geoffrey Drage) and be chaired by Dr. Catherine Bell, the Director General of Corporate and Consumer Affairs. The aim will be to complete each stage of the review within three months, as recommended in the Cabinet Office guidance.
As indicated in the terms of reference, the Review Team is seeking the views of interested parties. A consultation paper is available from:
- The Insolvency Service Review Team
- Room 876
- Esso House
- 96 Victoria Street
- London
- SW1E 5JL
- tel: 010 7215 2255
- fax: 020 7215 2987
- e-mail: cca.commens@lond02.dti.gov.uk
Comments should be sent to the same address by 6 June 2000.