Clause 119
Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]
9:30 am
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
I beg to move amendment 158, in clause 119, page 74, line 16, leave out from beginning to end of line 17 and insert ‘parish councils’.
The first part of the amendment would delete the reference to economic prosperity boards, which is in line with other amendments that we tabled, but they were not selected. As we have discussed already, we wanted to delete the whole concept from the Bill, but we seem to have moved on and acknowledged that EPBs might have a role to offer, so we will not seek to push the amendment to a vote.
The amendment would also insert “parish councils” into the clause, although the Minister might feel that this is not the appropriate clause—perhaps they could be dealt with under partner authorities. Nevertheless, we have debated the evolving nature of parish councils, particularly in areas that now have unitary councils. That is a situation with which I am now more familiar. Larger parish councils in places such as Wiltshire and Shropshire are, in consultation with those authorities, considering taking on further roles and perhaps professionalising what they have done hitherto. As they have a developing role, I should like to see somewhere in this concept of multi-area agreements provision for parish councils to be able to contribute.
Many parish councils may not yet be ready for such a concept, but with the equality status process moving forward, the aspirations of parish councils—particularly the larger ones—are changing. The right hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon was right to point out that for many smaller parish councils, such a suggestion will not be appropriate.