Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Sturdy Excerpts

Thursday 25th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

I will look into that issue and write to the hon. Lady. I have to say that Westminster council has a fantastic record in dealing with vulnerable people, but I will look into the specific case.

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

7. When he plans to publish the localism Bill.

[Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con)]

12. When he plans to publish the localism Bill.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Greg Clark)]

The localism Bill contains a wide range of measures to shift power from central Government into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. The Bill frees local government from central and regional control and strengthens local democracy. In addition, it gives greater power over planning, housing and other services and allows councils and councillors to be better held to account. The Bill will be published imminently.

[Julian Sturdy]

I thank the Minister for his response. May I ask him to go into a little more detail on how the localism Bill, through empowering local people, will help protect the green belt in my constituency of York Outer?

[Greg Clark]

Of course. One of the real opportunities in the localism Bill is to remove the threat to the green belt that comes from the regional spatial strategies. The concern up and down the country that green belts could be deleted through those strategies will be buried once and for good by the localism Bill.