Localism Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:03 pm on 17 January 2011.

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Photo of Chris Leslie Chris Leslie Shadow Minister (Treasury) 4:03, 17 January 2011

The Secretary of State advocated the power of general competence as a means of increasing the freedoms of local authorities. However, clause 5(3) states:

"The Secretary of State may by order make provision preventing local authorities from doing, in exercise of the general power, anything which is specified, or is of a description specified, in the order."

Does that not completely negate the supposed freedoms?