Clause 5
Local Democracy, Economic Developmentand Construction Bill [Lords]
5:00 pm
Rosie Winterton (Minister of State (Pensions Reform; Minister for Yorkshire and Humber), Department for Work and Pensions; Doncaster Central, Labour)
The hon. Member for Wycombe has shown a sharp, razor-like understanding of what the clause is all about—ensuring that local authorities have the protection he referred to, and rightly so. Obviously, the words “to the extent that” have been advised by lawyers and parliamentary draftsmen to make the provision absolutely clear cut. It is also true that we think it important to have these safeguards in the legislation, which is why clause 5 is there. There is no point in going over the arguments we have already had about whether any of these clauses should exist. We think this an important part of ensuring that local people understand how to get involved in local institutions and play a role in civic life.