Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I shall add one further thing because I think it is worth putting on the record. It is the danger of confusing democratic accountability with undermining the ability of local government officers to act as independent advisers to the elected council by leaving them open to the pressure of public opinion and lobbying. That is an extension of the point that is worth making. I appreciate that it is not the intention of the Government to allow the extreme scenario that I painted with very broad brushstrokes, but it could be the effect of this clause. I do not say this lightly, but the Government have this completely wrong. When we are in Grand Committee, we do not vote, but we will continue to oppose the whole of this clause. It is not susceptible to amendment to make it an appropriate provision. Clause 16 agreed.