Written evidence to be reported to the House
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill
9:35 am
Peter Facey: We have said that there needs to be agreement between the local authorities in the relevant local area, but beyond that we would like to see the involvement of citizens in the process. If local authorities decide to go ahead despite there being concern in the community, there should be a process by which the community can trigger a referendum. That would ultimately ensure a broad degree of consensus. If things are considered only between local authorities or between community groups, and not beyond and without the engagement of ordinary citizens, the process will be very difficult.