Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for her reply. There is some detail that I might have to come back to, so I shall read Hansard and we may well return to this. My initial position was that the duty discussed so far was not required, and I shall be arguing that in relation to petitions. We on these Benches have no desire to place extra burdens on local authorities, but if we are going to go down the route of placing duties and having requirements on local authorities, surely we must see what difference those duties and requirements are making. The question raised by the noble Lord, Lord Smith, was right: what benefit are we going to be looking at? The benefit would be to see the purpose of the Bill achieved—to get more local communities involved, to provide further information and for the composition of these bodies and local authorities to look different. There has to be some assessment of whether that benefit has been achieved. I argue that it should be achieved within a short time, because, despite the assurances given by the noble Baroness about new money becoming available, I question how long the money will be available for. At this stage, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 72 withdrawn. Amendment 73 not moved. Clause 6 : Guidance Clause 6 : Guidance Amendments 74 to 76 not moved. Clause 6 agreed. Clause 7 agreed. Amendment 76A not moved. Clause 8 agreed. Clause 9 : Interpretation Clause 9 : Interpretation Amendments 76B and 77 not moved. Clause 9 agreed.