Clause 30
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
1:30 pm
Julia Goldsworthy (Falmouth and Camborne, Liberal Democrat)
The key question is if this is the answer, what is the question? Is there a concern that the current scrutiny processes are not sufficient? Do we feel that the scrutiny procedures are not scrutinised enough? If so, do we need to open up channels for that to take place? I draw the Committee’s mind back to some comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, who said that if we are imposing this measure on all authorities, does it pass the Isles of Scilly test? Will the Isles of Scilly, which has a very small council, now be required to appoint another officer to undertake scrutiny, when there are a relatively small number of officers to scrutinise?
I am not clear why the duty that is outlined in this clause does not apply
“to a district council for an area for which there is a county council”
as outlined in subsection (5). Surely if such a position is needed at local authority level to ensure that overview and scrutiny committees follow due process, then that should apply at any level of local government. I do not see why it should just apply to the principal authority in two-tier authorities. I share the scepticism that has been expressed, and I look forward to the Minister explaining the question to which this is the answer.