§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much his Department estimates the average local authority will spend in setting up an arms-length management organisation, with specific reference to(a) employment or purchase of legal and other professional, (b) new accommodation, (c) new staff and (d) regrading of existing posts. [46371]
§ Ms KeebleWe have made no estimates of these costs, which will depend on each authority's circumstances. In 2001 a working group chaired by the Local Government Association, in which my Department participated, developed and published model legal documentation for arms length housing management organisations (ALMOs), so helping to reduce authorities' individual legal costs. We will continue to work closely with authorities and the local government associations to ensure that ALMOs are established and operate efficiently.