Local Audit and Accountability Bill [Lords]

Roberta Blackman-Woods Excerpts

Monday 28th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab)]

He doesn’t know his own Bill.

[Hilary Benn]

No, the Secretary of State does not know his own Bill and he does not want to hear what his Conservative colleague, Sir Merrick Cockell, has to say about it.

Members should remember what the code says. Paragraph 15 states that local authorities should

“avoid anything likely to be perceived by readers as…being a commentary on contentious areas of public policy.”

High Speed 2 is contentious, as are hospital closures, the removal of fire engines, and whether Heathrow should expand. Is the Secretary of State really saying that there is something wrong with local councils representing the views of their residents? Sir Merrick’s conclusion is that clause 38 “sets a dangerous precedent”. I could not agree more.

The National Union of Journalists says:

“There is no evidence that extra statutory powers are required”.

The National Association of Local Councils opposes clause 38. Birmingham city council said in its response:

“we do not accept the government’s starting point.”

Exactly!