Dear Mr Lister

FOI - Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils

I write in reference to your Freedom of Information request dated 11 January, in which you asked for information about which local authorities the Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils had within its remit.

All Best Value authorities in England were invited to take part in the Beacon Scheme. A best value authority is any type of body listed in Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999 as being subject to the duty of best value.

A list of best value authorities is as follows -

You may be interested to know that the Beacon Scheme has now been replaced by the Local Innovation Awards scheme. This aims to recognise, celebrate and award partnerships who can demonstrate that they have innovative services, ideas and ways of working that bring real benefits to citizens.

The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has been commissioned to administer the delivery and support of the scheme. More details about the scheme can be found on the IDeA's web pages:

http://www.beacons.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=5096164

Communities and Local Government as an organisation aims to be as helpful as possible in the way it deals with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or its outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about the Department's review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained on the Department's website at:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/1384250.pdf.

This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the Internal Review.

Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the Internal Review procedure provided by Communities and Local Government. The Information Commissioner`s address is in the leaflet that is mentioned above.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel Lundy

Improving Place Performance Division