Clause 69
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
5:00 pm
Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman will understand that we highlighted in our discussion the need, wherever possible, to give discretion and freedom to local authorities to develop appropriate arrangements in their areas. The Government’s intention is that local authorities should have a good measure of discretion, within a framework that ensures that the new leaders’ boards work and that is subject to approval by the Secretary of State. Is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that that is wrong, that there should be no such discretion and that there should be no scope to have different arrangements and, if necessary, to decide not to have a leaders’ board? If that happens, the means to continue the arrangements must be in place. Unless the regional development agency is in a suitable position, we could be in stasis. Does he recognise that the measure is a necessary safeguard against that?