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19/09/2001
Foster presents ‘a bill for local people’
Environment Minister, Sam Foster, has described the new Local Government Best Value Bill as ‘a bill for local people’ that will be effective in reinforcing the rights of citizens to engage meaningfully in the provision of local services.
Best Value is a process which enables councils to determine the real needs of their district while introducing greater flexibility for improving service standards and delivery.
Presenting the document to the Assembly, Mr Foster said that a key aspect of the Bill would be that people were entitled to be given “a real say” in determining Council priorities for the area in which they live.
He continued: “They are entitled to know how their Council is performing, and to have the opportunity to contribute to its plans for the future. In parallel with this, ratepayers are entitled to assurance that their money is being well spent and that every effort is being made to provide quality services. Crucially, they are entitled to the assurance which can only be provided by a robust independent scrutiny of Council activity."
The Minister denied that provisions in the Bill would be over-prescriptive and hinder Councils’ flexibility to tackle local issues.
He said: "Best Value procedures allow for diversity in approach to suit local circumstances. For example, Councils can presently determine the means by which they engage local people in consultation and, through the local publication of targets and performance indicators, they can demonstrate to their residents and ratepayers how they are performing year on year.
“It is my intention that the implementation guidance, envisaged in this Bill, should continue to allow for appropriate local variation." (CL)
Best Value is a process which enables councils to determine the real needs of their district while introducing greater flexibility for improving service standards and delivery.
Presenting the document to the Assembly, Mr Foster said that a key aspect of the Bill would be that people were entitled to be given “a real say” in determining Council priorities for the area in which they live.
He continued: “They are entitled to know how their Council is performing, and to have the opportunity to contribute to its plans for the future. In parallel with this, ratepayers are entitled to assurance that their money is being well spent and that every effort is being made to provide quality services. Crucially, they are entitled to the assurance which can only be provided by a robust independent scrutiny of Council activity."
The Minister denied that provisions in the Bill would be over-prescriptive and hinder Councils’ flexibility to tackle local issues.
He said: "Best Value procedures allow for diversity in approach to suit local circumstances. For example, Councils can presently determine the means by which they engage local people in consultation and, through the local publication of targets and performance indicators, they can demonstrate to their residents and ratepayers how they are performing year on year.
“It is my intention that the implementation guidance, envisaged in this Bill, should continue to allow for appropriate local variation." (CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
