Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I again raise an issue of principle—it may well be that it is my understanding that is not clear. The noble Baroness appeared to suggest that the reason why housing associations were not included was because of recognition of their independence, whereas earlier, when I was trying to point out the independence of FE colleges, she made exactly the reverse argument. Going back to the purpose of the Bill, my understanding is that it is to connect the people with local democracy, local decision-making and an understanding of how things work. One of the most talked about subjects in many local associations, organisations and pubs is housing: who gets what, when and why. When local housing associations sometimes determine who gets what, when and why, it is important that local people are aware of the democratic arrangements, if any, of those organisations, despite their independence. I therefore argue that the Minister, in talking about the independence of housing associations, defeats the purpose of the Bill.