Local Government Finance

I will ensure that I try to get sight of the Crookall report, as the hon. Gentleman urges me to do. He is right to say that the quality of the management and the ability of councils to lead their organisation, and thus to do their best by local council tax payers, is important; it is a central feature for us. I see no reason why many more councils cannot match the best of the efficiencies that have been gained—Northumberland county council has managed 11.5 per cent. over the current period, Sheffield city council has managed 12 per cent., Hackney borough council has achieved 14.5 per cent., and five district councils have achieved more than 20 per cent. Those councils are setting the standards for others over the next three years.