§ Lord Dixonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the breakdown of the estimated £30 million cost of setting up an elected north-east regional assembly; and, if the reorganisation of local government is not included in the £30 million estimate, what is the estimate of the cost of local government reorganisation prior to the setting up of a north-east regional assembly. [HL2261]
§ The Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Lord Rooker)The main elements are the costs of the referendums and elections, the costs of preparation, including initial staff and accommodation costs, and the transfer of functions to the new assemblies. These costs will vary between regions, in proportion to the size of the regions' population and electorate, but are expected to average £30 million.
8WAThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister cannot estimate the costs of local government restructuring until the Boundary Committee makes its recommendations. It has been asked to make its final recommendations by 25 May 2004.