Clause 68
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
4:30 pm
Rosie Winterton (Minister of State (Yorkshire and the Humber), Department for Communities and Local Government; Doncaster Central, Labour)
There are two issues. Earlier on, we explored the idea for increased engagement through petitions, and through councils promoting understanding of how local people get involved, all of which the hon. Lady voted against. The reason why she opposed those measures is completely beyond me—but then again, trying to marry the different Lib Dem approaches to policy and non-policy has been a completely enlightening experience.
In terms of people’s responses to the proposals, we indeed consulted. We know that people want a powerful voice for local government to draw up strategies with regional development agencies. This morning, the hon. Lady voted against having any regional strategies, under the spurious excuse that somehow, the regional boundaries were wrong. However, in doing so, and in continuing her voting record on the Bill, she is at every turn voting down proposals that will strengthen local democracy and decision making, particularly at regional level.
I will finish by quoting Councillor Mick Henry, who is a Labour member and chair of the Association of North East Councils. He said:
“This opportunity for us to more effectively shape and determine our own economic future in the region is strongly welcomed and we will be working closely with partners as part of a commitment to making implementation of the SNR proposals a success in the North East”.