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Community Development: Government Office for London

Volume 460: debated on Monday 21 May 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how expenditure by new deal for communities boards is scrutinised by the Government office for London; and if she will make a statement. (131646)

[holding answer 16 April 2007]: The Government office for London (GOL) has certified and authorised quarterly payments to new deal for communities (NDC) accountable bodies based on claims submitted to GOL for defrayed expenditure. Accountable bodies ensure proper supervision of expenditure through an annual audit of grant expenditure. These are audited by the Audit Commission and are subject to National Audit Office audit.

Where any underspends or overspends are identified, GOL liaises with the accountable body and the NDC to make adjustments. GOL ensures, through its performance management of the NDCS, that expenditure plans match with business improvement plans agreed by NDC bodies. From April 2007, Communities and Local Government will take responsibility for the physical payment of NDC grant but GOL will retain responsibility for performance management.