Lyons Inquiry into Local Government Funding:
Open for Business
Lyons Inquiry Press Notice: 4 October 2004
From today the independent inquiry into local government funding in England, led by Sir Michael Lyons, is inviting contributions to its work.
Sir Michael said:
"I would encourage anyone with an interest in this important issue to contribute to the debate. A lot of valuable work has already been done, not least in the Balance of Funding Review. I want to take this work forward and I am determined that this inquiry will provide real answers to some long-term problems which affect all of us. The first step will be to listen to the experts and those affected by the issues."
"As part of this process, we will not only be seeking written evidence, but also holding a series of meetings around the country to develop a broader understanding of the issues as they affect different regions and local communities. After this phase of evidence gathering, which I would expect to take several months, we will use that evidence to inform our detailed analysis of options which will address the issues I have been asked to tackle."
Sir Michael invited those with an interest to look at the inquiry's terms of reference and contribute their views and expertise. In particular, the inquiry would welcome evidence which bears on the questions underpinning its terms of reference:
- What are the most pressing issues affecting the present system of local government funding? How might they be resolved, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of particular options? Who would be affected and how? In particular:
- How should council tax best be reformed?
- What is the case for providing local authorities with increased flexibility to raise a larger proportion of its funding locally, or additional revenue?
- What other sources - including local income tax, reformed non-domestic rates and other local taxes and charges - could be used to raise supplementary revenue for local authorities? How would they work and what would be their advantages and disadvantages? Would a particular combination of options work better than others?
- What are the implications for the financing of possible elected regional assemblies?
- What are the priorities for analysis within the terms of reference?
Views and contributions are invited from today by e-mail to:
or in writing to:
Lyons Inquiry into Local Government Funding
Room 3.12
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
The inquiry will publish the evidence that underpins its final recommendations.
Notes for editors
- The terms of reference for the inquiry were published on 20 July and are attached.
- The inquiry will build on the findings of the Balance of Funding Review, chaired by Nick Raynsford, which also reported on 20 July. The final report of that review, and supporting papers and research, can be found at www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/balance.htm
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Lyons Inquiry on 020 7270 5282.
