Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill

My interpretation is that it does not. I am getting a nod and a shake from the officials. It is an important point and I shall come back to it. Amendment No. 238ZU seeks to set out the powers of joint waste authorities in a new clause. Once again we do not think that it is necessary. Joint waste authorities will have the same relevant powers and responsibilities as local authorities and other similar bodies. These powers are either in the Bill in the consequential amendments to Clause 207 or will be included in orders establishing individual joint waste authorities. The amendment seeks to ensure that a joint waste authority has the power to enter into contractual arrangements on its own behalf. That is the whole point of creating this new corporate body. As a separate legal entity it is able to do this, and the amendment is not necessary. I hope that I have reassured the noble Lord. Further, it seeks to ensure that a joint waste authority has the power to raise private finance. Again, this is already the case by virtue of the consequential amendments which mean that a joint waste authority has the same powers as other local authorities in this request. On the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Bruce-Lockhart, I am advised that the measure can mean any or all authorities. I am happy to write to Members of the Committee on this matter if that is helpful.