§ Mr. GummerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his plans for further powers for regional Government in England will entail other changes to the local government structure. [4122]
789W
§ Mr. RaynsfordI have been asked to reply.
As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 2 July 2001, Official Report, column 80W, the Government intend to publish a White Paper on regional governance in England. This will set out the Government's thinking on these issues.
No decisions have yet been taken on what—if any—changes in local government structure might be involved in taking forward the Government's proposals in relation to elected regional assemblies.
§ Mr. GummerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for reforming local government. [4120]
§ Mr. RaynsfordI have been asked to reply.
The White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People", published in 1998, set out a 10-year programme for the reform and modernisation of local government in England so that councils everywhere can be effective leaders of their communities and can deliver the highest quality local services. We have already made considerable progress through the introduction of best value, local public service agreements (LPSAs), new political management structures and a new ethical framework for local government.
We are now building on these achievements, easing the burden of regulation on councils, reforming the local government finance regime and developing our commitment to give freedoms and flexibilities to high performing councils. We intend during the autumn to publish a new White Paper setting out an up-to-date picture of our plans.