§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what powers existing regional assemblies have in relation to(a) the hiring of permanent staff and (b) the expenditure of public money. [129025]
§ Mr. RaynsfordRegional chambers (which style themselves assemblies) are voluntary. Some are companies while others are unincorporated bodies. Their arrangements for the hiring of permanent staff, are a matter for them and will vary between chambers, operating within the constraints ordinarily imposed by the law.
614WEach regional chamber, or its accountable body, receives an annual grant from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and grant conditions in the funding agreement letters determine permitted expenditure.
Regional Assemblies may derive other income through subscriptions from local authorities and other organisations (such as social and economic partners). Conditions that relate to the expenditure of this money is a matter for those funding bodies to decide.