§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what collation of Local Agenda 21 plans is undertaken by her Department; and what monitoring of their progress is made. [25823]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 9 January 2002]: The Prime Minister set a target for all local authorities to have a Local Agenda 21 strategy in place by end 2000. A Government office survey showed that 93 per cent. of local authorities met this target. Local authorities now have a statutory duty, under the Local Government Act 2000, to prepare community strategies for promoting the social, environmental and economic well-being of their area. Guidance makes clear that these should continue the work done on LA21 strategies. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has responsibility for community strategies. Progress is reported through a best value performance indicator.