Clause 75
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
6:00 pm
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
The preceding clause refers to the need for the responsible regional authorities to “have regard to” certain matters. If they do not have regard to the matters listed, we have a problem, because those strategies cannot come into force unless the regions get together and resolve the issue.
I am concerned about the fact that, as is often the case when discussing such matters, if there is a reserved power for a Secretary of State in a Bill, the Government say, “It will only be used very sparingly, and you must trust us that it is absolutely fine.” We tend to take a slightly more suspicious view, which is that the instincts of Government and Whitehall are not to be charitable when handed power, but to interfere more if the power is there for them to do so. I think that we differ in our view of how Government works.
The principle behind the amendments is to allow responsible regional authorities to make amendments to their strategy. I am mindful of the previous clause, which we did not oppose, and that there are other issues that need to be dealt with. However, we hope that it will not be for the Secretary of State to be involved with and sign off everything.