POWERS OF THE AUDIT COMMISSION

Early day motion 9, tabled 15 November 2006 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 29 members.

That this House recognises that the Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively; regrets, however, that its powers do not allow it to comment upon nor challenge property valuations which a local authority has obtained from a qualified valuer, particularly when the person is employed by the local authority; and urges the Government to amend the Audit Commission Act 1999 to enable the Audit Commission, in situations where concerns have been raised, to obtain a valuation from two other valuers so that it can be satisfied that public money is being spent economically, efficiently and effectively.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 13, Labour 8, Conservative 5, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.