Councillor Merrick Cockell, a leading figure in London local government, has joined the board of the Audit Commission.
Michael O’Higgins, the Commission's chairman, said:
'We are delighted to welcome to the Board a leading councillor whose own local authority, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, boasts a strong record in delivering effective, value for money public services.'
'Drawing on his deep experience - including as chair of London Councils - Merrick will help us efficiently and economically deliver our audit and inspection work. His background will be particularly valuable in the development of 'oneplace', the comprehensive assessment of health, policing, schools and local authority services to be launched in December.'
Councillor Cockell is Conservative leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which he joined in 1986. He took over as chair of London Councils - formerly the Association of London Government - in 2006.
His appointment to the Audit Commission was made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in consultation with the Secretary of State for Health.
Three places on the Audit Commission board are held by serving councillors. They are Councillor Cockell, Councillor Steve Houghton, Labour leader of Barnsley District Council and Councillor Chris White, Liberal Democrat member of Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans District Council.
Notes for editors
Councillor Merrick Cockell is the chairman of London Councils, which represents the capital's 33 local authorities.
Before becoming council leader in 2000, Councillor Cockell had held a number of senior posts at Kensington and Chelsea including chairman of the Education and Libraries Committee.
Councillor Cockell is chairman of the Conservative Councillors' Association and member of the Conservative Party Board; he is chairman of the think-tank Localis and he is a Freeman of the City of London.
The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.
As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.
Further details about the role of the Audit Commission can be obtained from www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
More information
Mark Nicholson, Media Relations Manager
Audit Commission, 1st Floor, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4HQ
Tel: 0844 798 2135, Mob: 07813 038132, Email: m-nicholson@audit-commission.gov.uk