Written evidence to be reported to the House
Housing and Regeneration Bill
10:58 am
Sir Simon Milton: I think that these things are partly about the rules, but they are more importantly about culture and behaviour. You can have a duty to co-operate, which is something that local government requested and is pleased to see on the statute book, but ultimately the proof of the pudding will be how the agency operates day to day. That has to do with relationships, culture and behaviour. That is not something that can be legislated for. Councils are very clear that they wish the agency to be a partner and they do not wish it to seek to dictate, which is one of their concerns, particularly over planning issues.