Lyons Inquiry:
Statement of Clarification: 3 May 2006
Lyons responds to claims of delayed publication and proposals on council tax increases
Sir Michael Lyons has responded to claims of delayed publication and proposals on council tax increases
Sir Michael said:
"The independence of my Inquiry is important to me and, I believe, to those affected by the outcome of my Inquiry. I do not wish to engage in party political debates; however, some of the recent press coverage has been inaccurate and I wish to correct these misconceptions.
"It is untrue to say that the Government or any individual Minister has delayed my publication. I have decided to publish the Spring paper from my Inquiry on Monday 8th May 2006. The date for publication is my decision and influenced only by the need to avoid the 'purdah' around the local government elections and my desire to have time to appropriately refine and finalise my paper.
"It is important to note that my Spring paper will not specifically focus on council tax or wider funding issues. The paper - 'National Prosperity, Local Choice and Civic Engagement: A new partnership between Central and Local Government for the 21st Century' will focus on the extended remit of my Inquiry. It will provide my latest thinking and analysis on the future role and function of local government. In particular, exploring the contribution which local government can make, in an overall system of government that maximises the well-being of its citizens.
"My December 2005 report did not announce any new policy proposals. I did outline some of the options that I am considering, and which have been suggested to me by those interested in reducing the pressure on Council Tax and making it fairer. However, all options for the future funding of local government are still under consideration and I have not yet reached any conclusions. I will make my recommendations in a final report to Ministers in December 2006.
"It is important to note that to improve public confidence in government at all levels: the questions 'What do we want local government to do?' and 'How should it be funded?' demand careful attention and full public discussion. There are no quick or easy answers and it doesn't help public understanding of the issues to suggest otherwise."
Notes for Editors
- Sir Michael Lyons was originally commissioned in July 2004 by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor to make recommendations on how to reform the local government funding system by December 2005. On 20 September 2005 the remit of the Inquiry was extended to enable Sir Michael to consider issues of function before finalising his conclusions on funding.
- On 15 December 2005 Sir Michael issued a consultation paper and interim report, inviting responses to the questions posed by 13 March 2006. At the same time submissions received from organisations and the research commissioned by the Inquiry were also published. Sir Michael intends to publish a further paper on 8 May, with the Inquiry concluding with a final report to Ministers in late 2006.
- Copies of the report, submissions, research commissioned, and the terms of reference for the Inquiry, can be found on the Lyons Inquiry website at www.lyonsinquiry.org.uk
- Any press enquiries should be directed to GNN on 0207 261 8356.
