Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I can honestly say that I have been looking forward to this amendment more than most. I am particularly proud that my noble friend and the noble Lord, Lord Boston, were able to be here despite the weather so that we could have this debate. My noble friend said that this was the most significant piece of legislation since the 1835 municipal government Act. It is certainly well up there with the great reforms in local government and equality. We always say that politics is the art of the possible, and somehow the possible seems to take years to arrive. However, the persistence of the two noble Lords in this context has been remarkable. Patience, as well as integrity, virtue and vision, are sometimes the key political qualities, and they have exhibited all that as they have tried to put these good changes on the statute book for a long time. I am delighted that we are in a position to accept these amendments.