SCRUTINY CENTRE WILL PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNMENT - HAMWEE

12.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Dec 2002

Better scrutiny of government executives by local, regional and national representatives is the aim of a new centre being launched by Liberal Democrat Lords Local Government Spokesman Baroness (Sally) Hamwee tonight.

Baroness Hamwee, who is Deputy Chair of the Greater London Assembly, was joined by Leader of the Commons Robin Cook MP at the launch of the Centre for Public Scrutiny, a joint project between the London Assembly, the Improvement & Development Agency, the Department of Health and Deloitte and Touche.

Baroness Hamwee said: "Holding the executive arm of government to account at every level is a key concern of Liberal Democrats."

"We are backing the Centre because there is a clear need for scrutiny bodies to share best practice and to work with others on common problems. Scrutiny should be promoted as a professional skill which is essential to good government.

"Whitehall in particular is inadequately accountable: the Government escapes scrutiny in so many areas. This Centre will provide a counterweight to the ever-increasing power of the Government and its appointees."

ENDS Notes to Editors.

The Centre for Public Scrutiny will provide practical support to elected public sector officers and their support staff in local, regional and national government in their scrutiny roles.

The Centre also aims to: · Promote the role of scrutiny and raise its profile · Develop a more rigorous understanding of the different approaches to scrutiny and how to make it effective · Facilitate linkages between different levels of government and their scrutiny activities, which would assist both members and managers Further information is available from: Andy Jackson – 020 7296 6529