Councils face new performance monitor

Local Authorities face a new system of examination to see if they are giving the public value for money.

The Environment Minister Martin Cullen will today announce the setting up of a new body whose job it will be to analyse the performance of councils and produce an annual league table.

The councils will be rated by the Local Government Independent Assessment Board in over 40 areas from the provision of housing and roads to the protection of the environment.

The board will also assess in what areas money is being wasted, what services are being reigned in and the response to complaints from the public.