Clause 29

Part of – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:00 am on 3 February 2009.

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Photo of John Healey John Healey Minister of State (Department of Communities and Local Government) (Local Government) 11:00, 3 February 2009

They are confident. They are confident that that element that comes and goes in other legislation is required here simply because we need to give effect to what will be transitory provisions if regulations are required under clause 27.

I remind the Committee that I have published a statement of intent that indicates how we intend to approach the main regulation-making powers under the Bill. I can confirm—this will be of particular interest in  another place—that I do not consider that any exercise of Commons privilege over the regulation-making powers is required or appropriate. Essentially, local government revenue raising could be subject to Commons privilege, but generally that privilege is not asserted. In the case of the BRS, that would not be appropriate because such revenue will not come to the central Exchequer, but will be collected and held at local authority level, so it would not be appropriate to consider subjecting it to any form of Commons privilege. I am sure that Members of the other place will appreciate that confirmation and will look forward to the scrutiny role that they will play on all the regulations, as well as the Bill.