Clause 4
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill
4:30 pm
Patrick Hall (Bedford, Labour)
As for the pre-invitation to bid process or the period to which the hon. Member for North-East Bedfordshire alluded, Bedford borough asked its citizens panel. However, I do not regard that as constituting a sufficient measure of public interest, although it has demonstratedpublic support for the idea of a Bedford unitary. Surely the most important opportunity to go to town on demonstrating widespread public support from residents, businesses and voluntary organisations would occur after a bid has passed the initial hurdle, if indeed it does. I would expect councils to take such action in April, May and June, whether or not they were preparing beforehand, as the hon. Gentleman said. That is when the work needs to be done and when the real demonstration of public support will have to be obtained.