Clause 16
Marine and Coastal Access Bill [Lords]
3:15 pm
Andrew George (St Ives, Liberal Democrat)
I disagree with the Minister. As I understand it, we are talking about the capacity to work with local authorities, not the question of whether the sole purpose is to delegate functions to them. In any case, where it is appropriate for local authorities to take on some functions or to work with the MMO in the delivery of its plan and functions, having that capacity in the Bill would allow the MMO a great deal more flexibility than at present. It would certainly be able to take advantage of the expertise available in many coastal local authorities thanks to the experience and talents in their officer structures. They have expertise in working in many of these areas. Local authorities also exercise powers within the marine environment to mitigate shoreline pollution. That is certainly a maritime role, and the hon. Member for East Devon will know about recent incidents such as those involving MCS Napoli, the Ice Prince and RMS Mulheim, the latter of which ran aground in my constituency at Sennen. Those incidents demonstrate the need for clear knowledge of the marine environment within local authorities.
Local authorities undertake a range of additional functions that are maritime in nature, including the management of beaches and the regeneration of coastal towns. The Government already ask local authorities to engage in the market and coastal towns initiative, which the Government clearly want them to drive forward in their own areas. Local authorities have a general duty towards the sustainable management of the environment under the habitats and birds directives, the water framework directive and the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, for example. A key advantage of allowing local authorities to be eligible to work with the MMO, in the same way as the Environment Agency and Natural England, is their public profile and their recognition among coastal communities, as that would bring ownership to marine plans.
I hope that the Minister will reflect on the fact that that in no way undermines the powers of the MMO. Allowing local authorities to be eligible bodies would permit their talents and resources to be employed in the delivery of what the MMO is trying to achieve.