Local Government Finance Bill

Baroness Primarolo Excerpts

Wednesday 18th January 2012 Commons Chamber

I accept some of the points made by the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts) and the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) about the objective of, and a desire for, greater localisation, but that has not happened under the current system. Sadly, despite the fact that some Members would deny it, there is force to the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and others that perverse incentives in the current system sometimes lead to perverse behaviour, with more emphasis placed on ticking the boxes that can demonstrate need than harnessing the undoubted energies that local government has—[Interruption]—and in which I have faith to drive forward economic growth. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for North Durham (Mr Jones) is, as usual, very vocal from a sedentary position, which is his more usual form of contribution to debate.

[The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Dawn Primarolo)]

Order. Mr Jones, please stop shouting across the Chamber. Either try and intervene or please be quiet.

[Mr Kevan Jones]

rose—