§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information he has collated on the number of building and maintenance departments of local authorities which have been externalised since the introduction of best value; if he will list the local authorities concerned and indicate(a) how many employees are involved (i) in each case and (ii) overall and (b) the name of the contractor who has taken over the delivery of those services in each case; and if he will make a statement. [9113]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThis information is not held centrally. Local authorities have to report the outcome of best value reviews in their Best Value Performance Plans, but no co-ordination of these references has taken place, either on building maintenance or on any other work. The Best Value Inspectorate of the Audit Commission will consider whether the outcome of any particular review is likely to represent best value.